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Splendor

Splendor

A World Premiere by Kirsten Greenidge
Directed by Shawn LaCount
Dramaturgy by Ilana M. Brownstein
October 18 – November 16, 2013
The Plaza Theatre @ The Boston Center for the Arts

On Thanksgiving eve in a town just north of Boston, Fran is determined to make a nice turkey dinner for her chain-smoking klepto mother, and her couch-surfing older brother. If only it were that simple. A vivid collage of local stories exposes a community where generations of families collide over far more than pumpkin pie and stuffing. Straight off her smash-hit THE LUCK OF THE IRISH, local luminary and OBIE Award-winning playwright Kirsten Greenidge orchestrates 45 years of our history into evolving snapshots of race, class, dreams, and the place we call HOME. An outgrowth of Greenidge’s short play “Thanksgiving” (part of GRIMM, 2010), SPLENDOR was developed as part of the 2012-13 XX PlayLab.

C1's Take

We could not be more excited to continue our partnership with Kirsten Greenidge, and to be presenting her first new play in Boston since THE LUCK OF THE IRISH. Kirsten has been in residence with us since 2005, and in that time has won local and national awards for playwriting,  and has been produced at Lincoln Center, LaJolla Playhouse, and the Huntington Theatre. SPLENDOR has been four years in the making under the guidance of C1’s Artistic Director Shawn LaCount, and was workshopped during last year’s XX PlayLab Festival – a collaborative program with the Boston Center for the Arts, the mission of which is to develop and produce works by women. We are thrilled to see this long term collaboration between producer, playwright, and director culminate in this world premiere production.

"An ambitious take on race, class and gender...probes people like us”
- The Boston Globe
"Unforgettable and provocative”
- Theater Mirror
Strong, imaginatively staged production"
- WBUR
The talent of cast...signals good things ahead for Boston theater community"
- WBUR

BOSTON CENTER FOR THE ARTS: Plaza Theatre
539 Tremont Street
South End, Boston, MA

Get Directions

BOX OFFICE
Phone: 617.933.8600
www.BostonTheatreScene.com
Walk-up: Calderwood Pavilion at the Boston Center for the Arts, 527 Tremont St.
OR Boston University Theatre Box Office, 264 Huntington Ave.


For other Group Sale questions
or requests, please contact
Summer L. Williams at
swilliams@companyone.org

Cast




PLAYWRIGHT & PRODUCTION STAFF

  • Kirsten Greenidge
    Playwright
  • Shawn LaCount
    Director
  • Josh Glenn-Kayden
    Assistant Director
  • Erin Basile
    Stage Manager
  • Ilana M. Brownstein
    Dramaturg
  • Katherine Stebbins
    Costume Designer
  • Jen Rock
    Lighting Designer
  • Cristina Todesco
    Set Designer
  • Arshan Gailus
    Sound Designer
  • Lisa Guild
    Props Designer
  • Lauren Contard
    Assistant Stage Manager
  • Veronica Haakonsen
    Assistant Stage Manager
  • Karthik Subramanian
    Production Manager
  • Kevin Parker
    Associate Production Manager
  • Mark Abby VanDerzee
    Technical Director
  • Natalie Moran
    Sound Engineer & Board Operator
  • Matthew Breton
    Master Electrician
  • Benjamin Rogers
    Master Carpenter
  • Abigail Neuhoff
    Scenic Painter
  • Ryan Kasle
    Carpenter
  • Tatsuya Ito
    Carpenter
  • Connor Allen
    Technical Fellow
  • Marc Thomas
    Technical Fellow
  • Nick Stewart
    Technical Fellow
  • Helena Mestenhauser
    Technical Fellow
  • Lily Meyer
    Technical Fellow
  • Samantha Taylor
    Technical Fellow

  • Alexandria King
    Alexandria is thrilled to be making her Company One debut with such an outstanding play and extraordinary team! Thank you Kirsten Greenidge, cast and C1! Boston credits include: Tybalt in ROMEO & JULIET & R.Sykes/Tom in TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD (New Rep), Masha in THE THREE SISTERS (Moscow Art Theatre School), Jocasta in OEDIPUS & ANTIGONE (Tufts), Titania/Hypolyta in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM (Roxbury Repertory Theatre). This show is dedicated to Journey, Mother, Dad, Rachelle, and Erin. www.alexandriadanielleking.com

  • Becca A. Lewis
    Becca is so pleased to be collaborating again with Company One after VOYEURS DE VENUS and GRIMM (in which she had her first tiny taste of SPLENDOR three years ago). Becca has also had the honor to work with other local theatre companies including Centastage, Zeitgeist Stage, Fort Point Theatre Channel, Theatre on Fire, The Gold Dust Orphans, Mill 6, and Queer Soup. Check out her web series - HOT DOG AND THE NINJA - on YouTube, in which she plays the hot dog. Upcoming productions: Apollinaire's New England premiere of PEGGY PICKET SEES THE FACE OF GOD and Whistler in the Dark's production of FAR AWAY.

  • Greg Maraio
    Greg is thrilled to return to the Company One stage in his 5th Production. Previous C1 roles include Nelson/Charlie in Kirsten Greenidge's THE GIBSON GIRL, Butch Honeywell/Freud in THE LAST DAYS OF JUDAS ISCARIOT, Larry in MR. MARMALADE, and Rowe in THE GOOD NEGRO. A Boston native, Greg has appeared in numerous productions with many local companies. Favorite roles include Garry in NOISES OFF, Mervyn in A BEHANDING IN SPOKANE, and Casper in ACT A LADY. He thanks Shawn, Kirsten and C1 for another wonderfully challenging opportunity, his family and friends for their constant support, and Jared, Sophia, Emma, and Casper for being his heart. He dedicates his performance to his father Joseph.

  • Hannah Cranton
    Hannah is excited to be working again with Company One. She was last seen as Colleen in the staged readings of SPLENDOR LIT BENEATH THEIR BONES and as Chloe in HOOKMAN (Company One/ XX PlayLab). Other past credits include: Amy in SUMMER IS OVER (Emerging Voices Festival), Young Woman/Whore in SPURT OF BLOOD, Maria in THE MISUNDERSTANDING, Jolie in THERE IS ANOTHER COURT (Boston Experimental Theatre), Angela in U.S. DRAG, Actress/Cadet/Nun in CYRANO DE BERGERAC (Apollinaire Theatre Company), Cybil in THE ALTRUISTS (Boston Actors Theatre), June in MEASURING MATTHEW (SLAM Boston; Another Country Productions), Chicklet in PSYCHO BEACH PARTY, Popilius in JULIUS CEASAR (Counter-Productions Theatre Company), Laura in CLAIRE DE LUNE, and Woman in PLANTING THE MUSIC (Salem Theatre Company). Hannah is a New York City based actor/singer/songwriter. She received a BFA in theatre performance from Salem State University.

  • James Milord
    James is a devoted thespian that was nominated in 2012 for “Best Actor” in his role as Ochoosi Size in the BROTHER/SISTER plays by the Independent Reviewers of New England. In the fall of 2012 James performed in Chicago for the premiere of TRAJECTORIES. He was recently seen in a physicalized staged reading entitled IN OUR NAME by Michael Metzner, produced by Company One, and prior to that, another stage reading entitled SHOESHINE SAFARI by John ADEkoje produced by the Huntington Theatre. In Jan 2012, James participated in the first ever Boston One Minute Play Festival at the Boston Playwrights' Theatre. James was also seen in 2010 in Commonwealth Shakespeare Company’s American Voices presentation of THE EMPEROR JONES; and Company One’s productions of THE GOOD NEGRO and debut of THE EMANCIPATION OF MANDY AND MIZ ELLIE. James was awarded the David Wheeler Award in Boston, MA for “Best Emerging Actor” in that same year. James appeared in Boston’s 2008 and 2009 African American Theatre Festivals in ZOOMAN & THE SIGN, ZORA NEALE HURSTON’S FEATHERS ON MY ARM and BESS THE BRAVE. Prior to those festivals, he participated in an educational tour and full production of MACBETH produced by Shakespeare Now! James has also appeared in the Company One productions of A CLOCKWORK ORANGE, 103 WITHIN THE VEIL, DEN OF THIEVES, and Boston premieres of SIX ROUNDS SIX LESSONS and GIBSON GIRL. James currently teaches theatre in various schools and community centers across the Greater Boston Area.

  • Nicole Prefontaine
    Overjoyed to be a part of this production, Nicole was in THANKSGIVING, the original source material of SPLENDOR seen in the world premiere of GRIMM (Company One), as well as several staged readings of SPLENDOR (XX Playlab). Recent credits include Jess in HOOKMAN (XX Playlab), and Angie in the film KNOCK AROUND KIDS. Nicole is the Arts Director at Dorchester Academy and a Cofounder of TC Squared Theatre Company. She is a M.Ed. candidate at Lesley University, holds a B.A. in Theatre Studies from Emerson College, and she is a graduate of Boston Arts Academy. Nicole would like to thank her husband, Olu, for all of his support.

  • Obehi Janice
    Obehi feels blessed to work on SPLENDOR. Boston area roles include Elise Kayitesi in THE OVERWHELMING (Company One), Laverne in MY WONDERFUL DAY (Zeitgeist Stage Company, IRNE Nomination: Best Supporting Actress), Chorus in MEDEA (Actors' Shakespeare Project), and Lady Mortimer in HENRY IV (Actors' Shakespeare Project). Obehi also stars as Claire in the upcoming short film AWAKENINGS (Standing in the Gap Productions). She is currently a playwright in the XX PlayLab with her one-woman show FUFU & OREOS. She would like to thank her family for their constant support and laughter. www.fufuandoreos.com

  • Danny Mourino
    Boston native Danny Mourino, alumni of Boston Arts Academy, made his professional debut in the 2003 Boston Fringe Theater Festival, performing in the play, INNER CITY BLUES. He later appeared as Bama in CLARA’S OLE MAN in the 2005 African American Theatre Festival. Currently, Danny is very excited about participating in his second Company One main stage production. He was previously seen in THE LAST DAYS OF JUDAS ISCARIOT as Simon the Zealot, St. Peter and Roman Guard. Mr. Mourino would like to dedicate this show to his grandmother and to the rest of his family for their continued love and support. Stay tuned for future performances as Danny continues to develop his craft.

  • Michael Knowlton
    Michael is thrilled to return to the ever-growing family at Company One for their 15th season! As a Dorchester native, he is honored to be a part of a premiere that celebrates the beautiful complexity of our state’s people and modern history. Michael’s recent credits include OUR TOWN (Huntington Theatre), BENGAL TIGER AT THE BAGHDAD ZOO (Company One), CORIOLANUS (Commonwealth Shakespeare), and REFERENCES TO SALVADOR DALI MAKE ME HOT (Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater). Michael would like to thank his girlfriend, Mimi for her support and dedication to their shared love in family and art.

  • Molly Kimmerling
    Molly is thrilled to be back at work with C1. She was recently seen in EEP! SHOW with New Exhibition Room. Other recent credits include Hyacinth in WINTER PANTO: LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW, and various roles in LITTLE GIANTS: MINIATURE PLAYS OF THORNTON WILDER with imaginary beasts, where she serves as an artistic associate. Molly is a graduate of the Cornerstone Theater Institute under the direction of Bill Rauch and Suffolk University. She is grateful to Kirsten and Shawn for this experience.

  • Kirsten Greenidge
    Kirsten Greenidge’s work shines a strong light on the intersection of race and class in America, and she enjoys the challenge of placing underrepresented voices on stage. In May 2012 Kirsten received an Obie for her play Milk Like Sugar which was first commissioned by La Jolla Playhouse and TheaterMasters, and then produced at La Jolla and then Playwright’s Horizons as a coproduction with Women’s Theater Project. Milk Like Sugar was also award a TCG Edgerton grant as well as a San Diego Critics Award. Boston audiences might be familiar with Kirsten’s latest play The Luck of the Irish, which was presented at the Huntington Theater Company in the spring of 2012 and enjoyed a warm reception and extended run. A former NEA/TCG playwright in residence at Woolly Mammoth, previous work includes several Boston Theater Marathon pieces, Bossa Nova (Yale Rep, 2010 and also an Edgerton New Play Award recipient), Thanksgiving in Company One’s Grimm (2010), Rust (The Magic Theater, 2007), 103 Within the Veil (Company One, 2005) and Sans Culottes in the Promised Land (Humana, 2004). She has enjoyed development experiences at Sundance, Sundance at UCross, the O’Neil, Pacific Playwrights Festival (South Coast Rep), and Bay Area Playwrights Festival. Kirsten was the inaugural fellowship for Page 73’s playwriting fellowship program. Current projects include commissions from Company One, Yale Rep, Denver Center Theater, The Goodman, La Jolla Playhouse, Baltimore Center Stage, and Emerson Stage, where she and director Melia Bensussen will adapt the Pulitzer Prize winning book Common Ground. Early in her career Kirsten was a recipient of the Lorraine Hansberry Award and the Mark David Cohen Award by the Kennedy Center’s American College Theater Festival. She attended Wesleyan University and The Playwrights Workshop at the University of Iowa. She is an Assistant Professor of Theater at Boston University's Center for Fine Art as well as being a resident playwright at New Dramatists she is a member of Boston’s Rhombus writing group.

  • Shawn LaCount
    Shawn is a proud co-founder of Company One and is thrilled to be working alongside Kirsten Greenidge on the world premiere of SPLENDOR. Recent directorial credits include the Boston premieres of BENGAL TIGER AT THE BAGHDAD ZOO by Rajiv Joseph; THE ELABORATE ENTRANCE OF CHAD DEITY by Kristoffer Diaz (Elliot Norton Award for Outstanding Director and Outstanding Production); Annie Baker's THE ALIENS (Elliot Norton Award for Outstanding Director and Outstanding Production), the world premiere of GRIMM (IRNE Award nominee for Best New Play), the Boston premiere of THE OVERWHELMING by JT Rogers (Elliot Norton Award nominee for Outstanding Drama, Fringe); the Boston premiere of Haruki Murakami’s AFTER THE QUAKE (Elliot Norton Award nominee for Outstanding Drama, Fringe); Stephen Sondheim’s ASSASSINS (IRNE nomination for Best Director and Best Musical); the Boston premiere of Noah Haidle’s MR. MARMALADE (Elliot Norton Award nominee for Outstanding Director/Outstanding Drama); the Boston premiere of AFTER ASHLEY by Gina Gionfriddo; and Anthony Burgess’ A CLOCKWORK ORANGE (featuring original music by the Dresden Dolls). Local academic directing credits include Adam Rapp's PARAFFIN and NURSING at Emerson Stage. Shawn holds an MA Ed. in theatre Education from Clark University and an MFA in Directing from The University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He has taught at the Boston Arts Academy, Huntington Theatre Company, Tufts University, Stage One and the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Shawn is deeply grateful to the entire C1 family and of course to his wife Jessica, his sister Terri, and his children Shiloh and Levi.

Stay tuned for information on special events!

Download Press Release

Reviews

November 14, 2013
"DORCHESTER ACTORS DRIVE 'SPLENDOR' INTO FINAL WEEKEND" by Chris Harding, Dorchester Reporter

November 4, 2013
"SPLENDOR" by Kay Bourne, EdgeBoston

November 4, 2013

October 30, 2013
"LIFE & STYLE" (Review at 4:44) by Jared Bowen, WGBH

October 30, 2013
"'SPLENDOR' CAPTURES NEW ENGLAND BLUE COLLAR LIFE" by David Brooks Andrews, MetroWest Daily News

October 30, 2013
"SPLENDOR" by Talking Broadway

October 30, 2013
"SPLENDOR" by Sheila Barth, Theater Mirror

October 21, 2013
"LIVING THE SUBURBAN DREAM IN 'SPLENDOR'" by Joel Brown, The Boston Globe

September 7, 2013