New York City will host industry readings of America’s Mom, a new play by Joe Calarco (Shakespeare’s R&J), at Open Jar Studios June 24. Hannah Ryan is directing, and Debra Olshan-Cooper is producing.
The work explores the concept of family estrangement, following sitcom star Valerie making her Broadway debut when her daughter Stevie, who went no contact five years earlier, arrives at her dressing room following a performance.
The presentation will star Laila Robins (Heartbreak House) as Valerie, Abbey Lee (Mad Max: Fury Road) as Stevie, and Maria Habeeb (The Gospel According to Heather) as Marta.
“America’s Mom shines a light on a profound and often misunderstood silent epidemic facing 70 million people known as estrangement. The cut-off culture is reaching an all-time high, and the play focuses on the unspoken pain that even though apart physically, remains emotionally,” says Olshan-Cooper in a statement. “America’s Mom examines what happens when a mother and a daughter come together after five years apart to bring their wounds, heartache, hurts, and secrets to the table. The play is a beautifully written story by Joe Calarco. It puts into words the deep feelings and pain of those who are estranged and in desperate need of being heard.”
The invite-only reading will feature stage directions read by Kelly Pekar. Kelly Martindale will serve as stage manager, with general management by Ampersand Theatrical Management.
Industry members interested in attending can email [email protected].