About this project
Dear Friend,
In the cold, harsh winter of 2009, a handful of actors and aerialists huddled together for warmth in a dance studio in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. These brave theatrical pioneers all shared the same dangerous vision that the beleaguered, stale, near-dead art form now known as “theatre” can be enhanced by flying around on a low-flying trapeze. And what better way to test their radical ideas than to take the greatest writer of all time and throw his beautiful poetry, literally, up in the air?
Now, Matchbook Productions embarks on its first full-length theatrical production, Shakespeare’s Richard II. King Richard says, “Look, not to the ground, Ye favorites of a king, are we not high? High be our thoughts!” See? That’s, like, totally perfect for the trapeze!
But seriously – we’re very excited about our upcoming production. We are co-producing with Sonnet Repertory Theatre and performing at The Tank in New York City in May. Director Steven Cole Hughes has been commissioned to write and direct low-flying trapeze plays for the National Theatre Conservatory and the Denver Center Theatre Company. The cast of Richard II includes Vince Nappo (Merchant of Venice, Royal Shakespeare Company) as King Richard, Eileen Little (Matchbook co-founder and Artistic Director) as the Queen, with Kiebpoli Calnek, Mat Hostetler, Khris Lewin, Dan Loeser, Brent Rose, Bradford Shreve and Danielle Slavick, plus live music!
This is exciting, it’s new, it’s a little dangerous, and it’s expensive – which is why we need your help. A donation of any amount will help us pay for rehearsal space in Manhattan, fix our trapezes and/or pay for the artists to be able to eat more than ramen noodles.
Please consider becoming one of our partners, so Matchbook can continue “… making the kind of theatre that an audience is afraid to look away from for fear they'll miss even a moment of the magic.” And you might even get your name in our program.
Thank you. And watch the skies!
Sincerely,
Eileen Little, Producing Artistic Director
Bradford Shreve, Associate Artistic Director
Steven Cole Hughes, Resident Playwright and Director
John Behlmann, Artistic Associate, Minister of Propaganda
Richard II at The Tank
354 West 45th Street
Tickets on sale now!
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/99446
Fri 5/7, Sat 5/8 @7pm
Sun 5/9 @ 3pm
Mon 5/10, Wed 5/19, Fri 5/21 @ 7pm
Sun 5/23, Mon 5/24 @ 7pm
FAQ
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Funding Successful
This project successfully raised its funding goal on May 6, 2010.
Pledge $10 or more
A cheerful thank you and your name on our website!
Pledge $25 or more
Your name in our program and on our website! *Must donate by April 23rd for program thanks!*
Pledge $50 or more
A glorious pin to show the world your love for Matchbook Productions.
Pledge $75 or more
A sweet production poster signed by the entire cast plus a Matchbook pin!
Pledge $100 or more
Group low-flying trapeze class with Matchbook's Artistic Director, Eileen Little.
Pledge $250 or more
A personalized musical thank you composed by Matchbook violinist Nathan Cohen.
Pledge $300 or more
Private aerial conditioning class with Associate Artistic Director and Certified Personal Trainer Bradford Shreve.
Pledge $500 or more
Two tickets to the Tony Award-winning production of "Alfred Hitchcock's The 39 Steps" off-Broadway starring Matchbook Company Member John Behlmann.
Pledge $1,000 or more
We'll create and perform an original trapeze piece just for you, telling any story, exploring any theme! We'll re-mix your favorite 80's movie, jam to your favorite song, or tell the story of how you met your wife! Anything you want! All on the trapeze!
Project By
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Matchbook Productions strive to create new and innovative theatrical productions through the marriage of traditional theatre with the aerial arts. By taking to the air, we utilize dimensions typically neglected by conventional stage performances, thus opening a new realm of possibilities for ourselves and for our audiences. By mixing the established with the cutting-edge we offer both new and seasoned theatre goers rare and original experiences that challenge preconceptions, and expand the imagination.
