Chuck Blasius, who directed a 2007 Manhattan reading of the poignant comedy, directs the new production, presented by Other Side Productions. The play had its world premiere at the Suncoast Theatre in St. Petersburg, FL, in spring 2007.
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Two Spoons "follows Steve and Larry, gay dads with a three-year-old son, who are on the verge of getting married until a weekend getaway in the City of Brotherly Love changes everything," according to Other Side notes. "What starts as a quiet, relaxing vacation turns into a quest for redefining the rules of the relationship: Should they 'hang together' to negotiate a Bill of Rights for themselves or 'hang separately' and compromise the state of their union and family? The play explores the line between, and the boundaries of, independence and commitment, freedom and responsibility, fantasy and reality using the historical backdrop of Philadelphia — and aphorisms of Ben Franklin — to navigate the challenges of their 'gay marriage.'"
The cast includes Thomas Flannery, Jr., Brian Gillespie, DeVon Jackson, Margo Singaliese and GLAAD Media Award nominee Grant James Varjas.
The production team includes stage manager Debra Stunich, set designer Andrew Pape, lighting designer Rob Hilliard, sound designer Roger Anderson and costume designer Jennifer Salta with consultation by Ricky Lizalde (from "Project Runway 4"). Choreography is by Robin Carrigan. Two Spoons will play through Sept. 28, Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM, Sundays at 3 PM. Tickets are $18 general admission.
A special performance benefiting The New York City Gay & Lesbian Anti-Violence Project (AVP) is on Sept. 8 at 7 PM, followed by a Q&A with the cast and crew. Tickets for the benefit are $50 for general seating or $100 VIP seating, with all the proceeds going directly to AVP.
The Bank Street Theatre is located at 155 Bank Street, between Washington and West Street.
Reservations for all performances can be made by calling the box office at (212) 352-3101 or (866) 811-4111 or online at www.othersideproductions.org.
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This marks the third collaboration between writer Mercurio and director Blasius following the productions of Andrew Reaches the Other Side and Red & Tan Line.
Other Side Productions is a not-for-profit theatre company devoted to developing and producing original plays with an emphasis on plays related to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender experience.
Members of the company's advisory board include author Scott Heim ("Mysterious Skin," "We Disappear"), author Michael Lowenthal ("The Same Embrace," "Charity Girl"), actor Kieran Campion (Journey's End, Pygmalion), comic book writer/artist Phil Jimenez, fashion designer Ricky Lizalde ("Project Runway 4"). Two Spoons is the company's fifth production.