Drama, Queens: The Next Chapter in the Book of Genesis; Acclaimed Classical Repertory Company Moves to Astoria

After nearly three years exclusively touring the festival circuit, Genesis Repertory, a premier classical theatre company known for its unique adaptations of Shakespeare and other classics, will be setting-up a home base in Astoria, Queens, with a projected season opener this fall and plans for a full season including musicals, classical works, and new plays alongside an on-going series of classes, lectures, workshops, and readings.

Astoria, Queens, NY (PRWEB) June 13, 2006 -- After nearly three years exclusively touring the festival circuit, Genesis Repertory, a premier classical theatre company known for its unique adaptations of Shakespeare and other classics, will be setting-up a home base in Astoria, Queens, with a projected season opener this fall and plans for a full season including musicals, classical works, and new plays alongside an on-going series of classes, lectures, workshops, and readings.

Noting its cultural diversity and travel accessibility, artistic director Jay Michaels looks at the move with great excitement. "We have always endeavored to make theatre truly accessible to a diverse audience by keeping prices low and projects varied -- moving to a place both rich in history and yet ever-changing like Astoria seems like the right thing to do at this juncture."

Genesis began as a conglomerate of several programs: a theatre program founded and directed by Jay Michaels at the Educational Alliance in the Lower East Side; an opera company founded by Mary Elizabeth MiCari in Chelsea; and a new plays organization headed by Robert Liebowitz which began in Brooklyn and moved to New York City. After incorporation in 1998, Genesis reopened the historic Jan Hus Playhouse on the Upper East Side of Manhattan to great acclaim. "Raising the money for renovations was our first hurtle," says Mary E. MiCari regarding the early days of Genesis, "The community of the Upper East Side came together and helped us in ways we did not even imagine… it was a wonderful moment when the doors opened. We are hoping for the same here in Astoria."

Genesis, a seven-year-old 501c3 arts & education organization has won prior acclaim for its focus on classical works juxtaposed with new production schemes. Genesis stayed at the Jan Hus for three seasons before deciding to take its work "on the road." Genesis productions have been part of The Spotlight-On Festivals, several years at the Samuel French New Plays Festival, two seasons of the Midtown International Theatre Festival, and last year's NY International Fringe Festival and Yeshiva University's Arts Festival. It also served as a sponsor for Astoria's Cypreco of America (a classical Greek company) where it assisted in the Queens, Long Island, and Manhattan free tours of Oedipus Rex and The Bacchae (both ending at the HBO Summer Stage in Bryant Park) and The Performing Arts Society and the College Now Program of Kingsborough College in Brooklyn, as well as two independent films.

Now, Genesis Repertory would like to enrich the Astoria community the same way The Joyce Theater has enriched Chelsea; Lincoln Center has nourished the Upper West Side, and The Public Theater has become the face of the East Village.

The Genesis administrative board – thus far – consists of Jay Michaels, Mary MiCari, Robert Liebowitz, M. Alan Haley, and Dr. Cliff Hesse. Currently, solicitation for members of the community to take an active part is. Ms MiCari has been a resident of Astoria for ten years.

Local talent strongly encouraged to apply.    

Please send all inquiries to Martin West, manager-promotions at GenesisAstoria @ gmail.com

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