First Flight Theatre Company based in Ridgewood, New Jersey, will continue streaming theatre with its new “Plays of Passion” series. First in the series in February is White Desert written in 1923 by house playwright, Maxwell Anderson. The play, not performed since its Broadway debut and never published, was found among the many saved writings in the Maxwell Anderson collection at the University of Texas in Austin. Performed on Zoom and presented virtually, White Desert will benefit The Actors Fund.
Virtual attendance is limited. Click here for reservations. Direct link to theatre event.
Donations accepted for benefit of The Actors Fund.
White Desert directed by Frank Farrell and stage managed by Abby Farber will be available via video-on-demand from February 24th to February 28th. The play takes place before and during the famous mid-Western Schoolhouse/Children’s Blizzard on January 12th and 13th, 1888. The sudden whiteout occurred without warning in the middle of the day resulting in thousands of people being trapped in schoolhouses, at work, or out on their farms doing chores resulting in a death toll of over 200 people. Anderson’s modern play focuses on a newly arrived couple, whose stormy relationship sees the husband consumed with his own jealousy and the wife lost to the extremity of his emotions, echoing Shakespeare’s Othello.
The cast of White Desert stars Johnny Garcia, Charlie Gillette, Zander Kirby, Debbie Ruzicka and Richard Width, actors from Chicago, New York and New Jersey.
These readings are presented by special arrangement with Theater Authority representing various performers’ unions.
Founded in 1882, The Actors Fund is a national human services organization to meet the needs of the entertainment community with a unique understanding of the challenges involved in a life in the arts. Services include emergency financial assistance, affordable housing, health care and insurance counseling, senior care, secondary career development and more.
First Flight is devoted to presenting plays by 20th century American playwright Maxwell Anderson as well as other playwrights who instill poetry in their writing. First Flight through a focus on voice, text and story, is dedicated to the dynamic performance and exploration of plays and playwrights whose use of language heightens the theatrical experience. Call 773-307-4586 for more information.
Upcoming Virtual Performances:
- The Witlings: March 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th
- Sea-Wife: April Dates TBA
For more information about these First Flight Theatre virtual performances, call 773-307-4586.
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