The Logan Festival of Solo Performance

July 13 - 23, 2023

This one-of-a-kind festival presents national, award-winning solo performers for two weeks of outstanding performances. The 2023 festival will feature Mr. Yunioshi written and performed by J. Elijah Cho (recipient of the “Best Solo Performance” at the 2019 Hollywood Fringe Festival) and Not My First Pandemic written and performed by César Cadabes (recipient of the All About Solo Critics' Choice Award at the 2021 United Solo Festival).

Playbill

The Chosen

September 28 - EXTENDED THROUGH OCTOBER 22

By Aaron Posner and Chaim Potok

Directed by Alex Levy

Following a twice-extended run of My Name is Asher Lev in 2016— making it the most successful production in 1st Stage’s history— 1st Stage brings another Aaron Posner and Chaim Potok adaptation to the region. Adapted from the well-loved novel, this critically acclaimed play takes us on a journey with two young Jewish boys as they navigate the complexities of their relationships with each other, their families, and their religion. Set against the backdrop of 1940s Brooklyn, The Chosen is a timeless story about the universal struggles of growing up and finding one's place in the world. “This production richly engages its audience in a broad range of topics, including the nature of friendship.” - Los Angeles Times

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Meet the Cast

Zach Brewster-Geisz

David Malter
Ethan Miller

Reuven Malter
Sasha Olinick*

Reb Saunders
Jacob Pelzman-Kern

Daniel Saunders
Stephen Murray

Reuven U/S, Daniel U/S

Design Team

Alex Levy

Director

Sarah Usray

Stage Manager

Nadir Bey

Scenic Designer

Luís Ramon Córdovez

Assistant Stage Manager

William D’Eugenio+

Lighting Designer

Lorraine Ressegger

Intimacy Coordinator

Ethan Balis

Sound Designer & Composer

Rakell Foye

Costume Designer

Luke Hartwood

Props Designer

Quilters

December 7 - 24, 2023

Book by Molly Newman and Barbara Damashek, lyrics and music by Barbara Damashek

Directed by Deidra LaWan Starnes

Quilters beautifully weaves together the stories of pioneer women through a patchwork of music, dance, and storytelling. Exploring themes of love, loss, and family with a heartwarming blend of humor and poignancy, Quilters pays tribute to the indomitable spirit of women in the face of adversity. “Quilters is a show pieced together with love and stitched with pride...a thing of beauty, comfort, and joy.”

- The New York Post

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Meet the Cast

Ezinne Elele

Ensemble
Patricia Hurley*

Ensemble
Kalen Robinson*

Ensemble
O'Malley Steuerman

Ensemble
Maggie Walker

Ensemble
Liz Weber

Sarah
Abigail Weinel

Ensemble

Shutter Sisters

Regional Premiere

February 1 - 18, 2024

by Mansa Ra.

Directed by Eric Ruffin

This sweet and funny tale explores the parallel lives of two women. A white woman named Michael struggles with strained family relationships at her adopted mother’s funeral, while a Black woman named Mykal navigates a challenge of her own: becoming an empty nester. A surrealist journey through womanhood, identity, and what it means to belong. "Shutter Sisters is a very enjoyable and empathetic look at how connections between mothers, daughters, friends, and even strangers impact the story of your life.” -Broadway World

PLAYBILL

Photos by Teresa Castracane

Meet the Team

Deidra LaWan Starnes*

Mykal

Tonya Beckman*

Michael

Design Team

Eric Ruffin

Director

Jaida Gillespie

Asst. Director

David Lamont Wilson

Sound Designer

Kathryn Kawecki

Scenic Designer

Lynly Saunders

Costume Designer

Pauline Lamb

Prop Designer

*Member of Actors’ Equity Association

Adam Mendelson

Lighting Designer

Niya John

Asst. Lighting Designer

Sarah Usary

Stage Manager

The Nance

April 4 - 21, 2024

By Douglas Carter Beane

Directed by Nick Olcott

Step into the dazzling lights of 1930s New York City, where laughter, love, and the raucous world of burlesque take center stage in this extraordinary play with music. Douglas Carter Beane weaves a captivating tale around Chauncey Miles, a charismatic burlesque performer whose on-stage persona, "the nance," is as flamboyant as his off-stage life is secretive. Set against the backdrop of a changing society, where it is easy to play gay but dangerous to be gay, Chauncey grapples with the complexities of identity, desire, and acceptance. This Tony Award-winning play brilliantly melds humor and heart. A “funny but bittersweet portrait of a vanished era”. -The Chicago Tribune

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Photos by Teresa Castracane

Meet the Team

Day Ajose

Joan
Natalie Cutcher

Sylvie
Sally Horton Imbriano

Carmen
Michael Innocenti

Efram
Patrick Joy

Ned
Michael Russotto*

Chauncey

Design Team

Nick Olcott^

Director

Jennifer Hopkins

Choreographer

Emilie Knudsen

Asst. Stage Manager

Jonathan Dahm Robertson+

Scenic Designer

Lorraine Ressegger

Intimacy Coordinator

Alberto Segarra+

Lighting Designer

Joe Walsh

Music Director

Neil McFadden

Sound Designer

Kendra Rai+

Costume Designer

Kasey Brown

Asst. Costume Designer

Olivia Martin

Asst. Director

Pauline Lamb

Props Designer

Sarah Usary

Stage Manager

*Member of Actors’ Equity Association

+Member of United Scenic Artists

^ Member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society

Postcards from Ihatov

June 6-23, 2024

Adapted and Directed by Natsu Onoda Power

World Premiere

Adapted from the works of Kenji Miyazawa, including the classic “Night on the Galactic Railroad.” This spellbinding tale of friendship, self-discovery, and the transcendent power of imagination takes audiences on a cosmic journey through the stars. This world-premiere production of visual theater is bursting with imagination and spectacle that the whole family can enjoy.

Photos by Teresa Castracane

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