Sex sells! But that’s not the point of Cleveland Actors’ Play Date‘s (ADP) public reading of “In the Next Room, or the vibrator play,” written by Sarah Ruhl.
“It’s a beautiful play,” says APD co-founder Nicole McLaughlin Lublin.
“It’s prolific, gorgeous, with four meaty roles for women,” adds ADP co-founder Katie Atkinson.
It’s the Cleveland Actors’ Play Date’s first public reading. Usually a private gathering, group members are giving an open reading of “In the Next Room” on Saturday, September 17, 2016 at 8:00 p.m. at the Rockport Square Firehouse, 1422 Hopkins Ave. in Lakewood. Doors at 7:30 p.m., and it’s a one-night-only, pay-what-you-can show (cash only).
“It’s a look at intimacy and what that means through the lens of a Victorian couple. It’s through a doctor and his wife, and about his practice and how it brings intimacy into their lives,” Katie notes.
But note – even though it’s not a pornographic piece, it’s not a play for the kids!
Catherine Givings – Katie Simón Atkinson
Dr. Givings – Joe Kenderes
Sabrina Daldry – Nicole McLaughlin Lublin
Mr. Daldry – Doug Kusak
Annie – Monica Zach
Elizabeth – Jazmine Danner
Leo Irving – Noah Hrbek
Stage Directions – Elaine Feagler
Stage Manager – Kate Klotzbach
What is Cleveland APD? “I’d been a member of two play reading groups in New York city,” says Nicole, “and I wanted to start something like that. It was May of 2014 and Katie and I had done a show together. We started with 5 people in my living room – we now have over 50 people on our email list.”
“Because we both have dream roles!” says Nicole, laughing.
“If you want to get something done, you do it yourself!” chuckles Katie.
The ladies went on to describe the freedom of making your own work – to stretch acting muscles that you might not get to use. Readings are casual, fun and no-pressure. The events are a chance to read against type, experiment with characters. Katie proudly notes that she’s read men, old ladies, and more.
Amidst wine and Cheetos, actors have a great time “digging in” to new roles and having camaraderie with fellow artists, all on the same playing field.
Interested in knowing more about APD? Email Nicole at nicole@nicolemclaughlin.com or Katie at katherine.e.atkinson@gmail.com.
In the meantime, join APD on Saturday, September 17 at 8:00 p.m. at the Rockport Square Firehouse, 1422 Hopkins Ave. in Lakewood. Doors at 7:30 p.m. Again – it’s pay-what-you-can, so bring a few bucks and get ready to see what’s “In the Next Room.”
Kate Klotzbach 