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Wednesday, September 16, 2020

Out Of the Box Theatrics and Holmdel Theatre Company to present a virtual reading of  a COVID play


LET THE CHIPS FALL WHERE THEY MAY

Written by Bob Stewart
directed by Fredi Walker-Browne 
features Jakeim Hart, Terry LaVell, Gracie Winchester, Ryan Clardy, and David Meenan.

WHEN: Monday, October 5, at 7:15 PM ET
WHERE: OOTB’s Facebook page and YouTube channel 
ADMISSION: free to the public, but donations are encouraged

Out of the Box Theatrics (OOTB) and Holmdel Theatre Company are proud to present a virtual reading of LET THE CHIPS FALL WHERE THEY MAY, A COVID PLAY. Sound and video production by DimlyWit Productions.

“I’m delighted to finally be collaborating with Bob Stewart, my dear friend of many years,” said Walker-Browne. “He is an amazing writer. His plays are deep, insightful, and occasionally disturbing - Chips presses all of those buttons. Thanks to Out of the Box Theatrics and Holmdel Theatre Company for being brave enough to produce such an intense piece.” 

Set in the near future, Let the Chips Fall Where They May takes place in an America where there’s finally a COVID vaccine. Slowly, the nation reopens, but not without consequence. There are strict rules to follow and one misstep will cause severe repercussions—and not just for the rule breaker. 

Let the Chips Fall Where They May examines entitlement, classism, and the extreme effects of self-isolation during a pandemic. It is a special presentation of OOTB’s Off the Couch Play Festival - a virtual new works play festival dedicated to OOTB’s mission to diversify American theater by providing an inclusive and accessible platform for artists and patrons, especially in times like these.

“As a producer, I think it is our responsibility to find ways to continue to create meaningful work and support our community during the shutdown,” said Colleen Cook, Holmdel Theatre Company Executive Director. “When Fredi presented this thought-provoking piece Liz Flemming and I both agreed it was perfect for the Off the Couch series.”

“I am very excited to be collaborating with Holmdel Theatre Company on such a relevant piece of theater,” says Flemming. “When I first read this play I was a little uncomfortable. In 12 pages I had to confront life after COVID, classism, and society’s complacency. It’s not easy to hold up a mirror and face what’s in front of you, but it’s so important. I hope this piece will spark conversation, leading our audiences to face what is uncomfortable and strive for change.” 

The cast for Let the Chips Fall Where They May is Jakeim Hart (Sing Street), Terry LaVell (La Cage Aux Folles), Gracie Winchester (Annie Get Your Gun), Ryan Clardy (Mr. Irresistible), and David Meenan (42nd Street, A Chorus Line). 

About OOTB

Led by Founder and Producing Artistic Director Elizabeth Flemming and Associate Artistic Director Ethan Paulini, Out of the Box Theatrics is a New York-based, nonprofit Actors' Equity producing Off-Broadway organization, dedicated to producing new and classic works while challenging audiences to experience work outside of their expectations. Committed to hiring a diverse company of actors, regardless of gender, race, creed, ethnicity, or disability, Out of The Box Theatrics allows audiences to experience work from a fresh perspective in site-specific locations. Past productions include Alice Ripley in The Pink Unicorn, Baby, Master Harold"...and the Boys, Songs for a New World. Shoes & Baggage, Nocturne, and Into the Woods. In addition to mainstage programming, OOTB offers the new works initiative Building the Box as well as monthly, site-specific open mic nights.

 ABOUT HOLMDEL THEATRE COMPANY

Holmdel Theatre Company at the Duncan Smith Theater (HTC) is a non-profit, semi-professional theatre company dedicated to presenting fresh interpretations of classic plays as well as rarely presented modern dramas and comedies. HTC is dedicated to providing opportunities for students and non-professionals to work with professional theatre artists in a collaborative, artistic and educational exchange. Making this sophisticated informality possible is The Duncan Smith Theater. Congenial and warm, this historic, 125-year-old barn has been transformed into a modern black box theatre, making a fully accessible space for actors and patrons to enjoy incredible theatre and connect with the performing artists.