American Theater Group to present reading of play by Peter Filichia
ADAM’S GIFTS
Saturday, June 23, at 8 PM
Limited seating. Reservations are required.
Reserve today by calling 732.499.8226 or e-mail boxoffice@ucpac.org.
American Theater Group, New Jersey's newest professional theater company in residence at Hamilton Stage in Rahway, will be presenting a reading of a new play Adam's Gifts by Peter Filichia, the theater critic for the New Jersey Star Ledger.
For nearly twenty years Filichia, the journalistic theatrical emperor of the state's largest newspaper, has traveled as far north as Teaneck and as far south as Cape May, dispensing thumbs up for some shows, and thumbs down for others. And those who write, direct, act and produce could do nothing but grin if they could bear the wrath of his terrible swift sword. Who knows how many hundreds of worthy productions withered on the box office vine just because they just didn't happen to please this grand poobah?
"Many an artist has wondered if this critic is so smart and has all the answers, why doesn't write a play?" says ATG co-founder Jim Vagias. "Well Peter has done just that. Now it's our turn to see how he cuts the dramatic mustard. Now it's our turn to see how thick his skin can be."
If you want to see a critic put in his place, come see a reading of Filichia's Adam's Gifts, (directed by co-founder Joe Mancuso) a modern retelling of Dickens' A Christmas Carol. After the reading, Vagias will moderate a Q & A period with the audience as Filichia takes the stage and sits in the hot seat.
"If you have ever wanted to see a critic get back some of his own, here's your chance," says newly minted playwright Filichia. "If you like what I've written, sure, tell me. But if you think it stinks and that it's such a humiliation that I should never leave the house again—and most of all, never have the nerve to criticize anyone else ever again, let the punishment fit the crime."
American Theater Group is a newly formed theater company specializing in plays and musicals by American playwrights. Founded by Rick Sordelet, Joe Mancuso and Jim Vagias, ATG is in residence at Hamilton Stage, the brand new state-of-the art theater in Rahway New Jersey. ATG will begin its inaugural season this fall.
LOCATION: The new Hamilton Stage is located at 360 Hamilton Street, just around the corner from the UC PAC. Located in the heart of the Rahway Arts District, both Hamilton Stage and the Union County Performing Arts Center are within walking distance of the Rahway NJ Transit train station and can be reached by taking exit 135 from the Garden State Parkway or exit 12 from the NJ Turnpike. Parking is available downtown at the Rahway Parking Garage. On Street Parking is available along Irving Street, Main Street, Central Avenue and Hamilton Street.
ABOUT HAMILTON STAGE: With its intimate 199-seat Mainstage Theater and 60-seat Front Room Theater/Rehearsal Hall, Hamilton Stage is the perfect complement to the larger Union County Performing Arts Center. The new Hamilton Stage has been built by the City of Rahway Redevelopment Agency. It is independently operated under the governance of Union County Performing Arts Center, a 501(c)3 non-profit arts organization with a volunteer Board of Directors; Samson Steinman, executive director.
ABOUT UNION COUNTY PAC: The Union County Performing Arts Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation operating in the historic Rahway Theatre, originally built in 1928. With 1,300 seats, the Union County PAC is one of the largest theatres in Union County.
