Inspiration Studios
Press Release

Off-Book Players Explores Heartfelt, Honest Exploration of Life After 9/11 in “New York”

David Rimmer originally wrote New York to raise funds for volunteer psychiatrists dedicated to helping the overwhelming number of patients psychologically affected by 9/11.

By - Jan 8th, 2016 10:03 am

January 8, 2016. West Allis, WI–The Off-Book Players start up their 2016 season with Pulitzer Prize Finalist David Rimmer‘s New York, running January 14-23 at Inspiration Studios.

In the months following 9/11, everyone is left looking for answers and solace and peace in a time where there seems to be none.  Fourteen different New Yorkers from all walks of life attempt to find these in a therapist’s office.  Their lives and trials unfold as everyone begins to heal. New York is an honest look at the tragedy of 9/11 and the strength of the human spirit.

David Rimmer originally wrote New York to raise funds for volunteer psychiatrists dedicated to helping the overwhelming number of patients psychologically affected by 9/11.

Described by cast members as “a powerful and beautiful piece of theatre,” New York has been performed at theaters, schools and colleges throughout New York and the Northeast to great acclaim.

The New York Resident described New York as “brilliantly written…a thought-provoking event avoiding the sentimental and capturing realistic portraits of how we’re all dealing with it…a touching exploration of the effects of September 11 on the lives of average New Yorkers.”

New York is directed by Deanna Strasse who previously directed The Off-Book Players’ smash rendition of Taming of the Shrew, along with The Village Playhouse’ Arrangement for Murder, No. 2.

Strasse comments,I kept coming back to New York because it was so honest, not just in the telling of events but the feelings people felt. It’s a show that teaches and shows us not to be afraid of our feelings but to express our grief because we are never alone in it.” 

New York features the acting talents of Melody Lopac (West Allis), Phil Stepanski (Brookfield), Renee Bartos (Waukesha), Adeola Gregory Giwa (West Allis), MaryFran Stefanich (West Allis), Kevin Koehne (Mukwonago) and Jessica Kennedy (Waukesha).  Stage Manager is Elizabeth Havican (West Allis).

Performances are January 14, 15, 16 at 7:30pm; January 17 at 2pm; and January 21, 22, 23 at 7:30pm.

All performances at Inspiration Studios, 1500 S 73rd St, West Allis.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors.  January 14 performance will be a special Pay-What-You-Can Performance.

Tickets can be purchased by calling 262-409-7245 or by visiting www.offbookplayers.com 

Inspiration Studios opened its doors to the West Allis community on March 1, 2014, with the intention of providing varied styles of performing and visual arts to the broader community, focusing particularly on the emergence of new artists and their works.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.

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