50 Plays - June 25, 2011 10:30pm

The final five. No cylons were harmed during this prouction.

Saturday, June 25 10:30pm

Hogan's Real Piesca – director: Megan A. Smith – cast: Bekki Anderson, Kurt Lewis, Dustin Levell, Bruce Phillips. Special Thanks to Joe for letting us play, Chris LaPorte, PlayingInPeoria.org

Derek Is An Asshole – director: Jeff Bouthiette – cast: Allen Doederlein and Maria Margaglione

Violent Femmes – director: Letitia Guillard – cast: Shannon Bracken, Emily Harpe, Maria Burnham, Christine Harrison. Fight design - Dustin Spence

Butterfly Jar – director: Sydney Chatman – cast: Victoria Caciopoli (a member of Actor's Equity), Antoine Pierre Whitfield

Steampunk Moonstomp – director: Rebecca Langguth – cast: Kim Boler, John Sundholm, Audery Naomi Smith

The Directors

Megan A. Smith is the Executive Director and Ensemble Member for Sideshow Theatre Company, where she co-directed Theories of the Sun by Kathleen Akerley, Ekphrasis by Warren Perry, and a staged reading of Lanterns on Lamar also by Warren Perry and Fugitive Motel by Walt McGough ( Bailiwick Director’s Festival). Megan also proudly wrestles as The Cutting Edge for the Chicago League of Lady Arm Wrestlers, with an upcoming match on July 2^nd!

Jeffrey Bouthiette is Artistic Director of Bare Boned Theatre and Head of the Music Program at the Second City Training Center. For BBT, he has directed The Hecubae (at the Raven Theatre) as well as many episodes of the live action soap opera, The Ville. He assisted on Victory Gardens' production of Love Person, and directed Sketchtopia, VG’s 2009 Access Project readings. He also directs the Second City Training Center's short-form musical improv ensemble, Infinite Sundaes.

Letitia Guillaud is a writer, director, actor, and improvisor living and working in Chicago. She is a co-founding member of Strangeloop Theatre and artistic associate of Chemically Imbalanced Comedy.

Sydney Chatman is a director, producer, writer, teacher and founder of The Tofu Chitlin’ Circuit (The TCC) a theater conservatory on the south side of Chicago. Ms. Chatman was a fellow of the Lincoln Center’s Director’s Lab in New York. Notable directing credits include the Chicago One Minute Play Festival at Victory Gardens, WBEZ Off-Air Series Theater Abridged, The Actor’s Rap by J. Kyle Manzay (reading), Safia Bernard’s Relationship Games, Let the Circle be Unbroken at Apple Tree Theater, Heads by EM Lewis, Poof!, Sugar Mouth Sam Don’t Dance No More, For Colored Girls, Beulah’s Land, and The Mojo and the Sayso. She has worked on The World Premiere of August Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean (intern), St. James Infirmary directed by Harry Lennix, King of Coons directed by Harry Lennix, A Soldier’s Play directed by Chuck Smith and Spunk directed by Cheryl Lynn Bruce among other notable productions. She is a former artistic associate with Congo Square Theatre. Ms. Chatman is the performing arts instructor at NKO Charter School.

Rebecca Langguth is a member of WNEP Theater. She is a writer, director and performer who is continually inspired by both this city and the people who inhabit it. Many thanks to Joe, Don and Jessica and my lovely cast.

Why see this show?

Because it's the last frakin' show of the bunch! This is a fun block. It has two sci-fi pieces. Hogan's Real Piesca is very intricate and I had to keep going back to the script to make sure the logic about marrying halograms was consistent. Steampunk Moonstomp is a just plain fun space adventure. Violent Femmes is an all-female super hero adventure. Derek Is An Asshole and Butterfly Jar focus on two people telling the story of their relationship, but both in very different styles. It's a good mix of the ridiculous and the sweet and sore spots about relationships. A nice way to end the run.

For tickets and more information, click HERE.

50 Plays - June 25, 2011 8:00pm

The second-to-the-last show!

Saturday, June 25 8pm

Butterfly Knife – director: John Pierson – cast: Eric T. Roth, Paige Saliba, Clifton Frei, Mathew Hope, Erin Orr

Scratch’d – director: Hank Boland – cast: the voice talents of Strawdog Ensemble Members Anita Deely, Shannon Hoag, Kyle Hamman, Hank Boland and guest artist Pat Whalen.

Peter Pain – director: Dina Marie Klahn – cast: Brooke Johnson, Erin Morrill, Emme Williams

Effluvia Falls – director: Regan Davis – cast: Patrick Kelly, Mikayla Brown, Brenda Kelly, Jonathan Sales, Aaron Pagel, Craig Rennak

All Things Foul – director: Patrick Kelly – cast: Laurens Wilson, Erin Wilson, Alex Farrington. Special thanks: Regan Davis (graphic design)

The Directors

John Pierson has been a Neo-Futurist since 1996. Recently he has co-written and performed in three critically acclaimed shows, Crisis: A Musical Game Show, Daredevil’s Hamlet, and FEAR. He directed LAID in which he had the honor of working with fellow theater stalwarts Joe Janes and Don Hall. He released his 20th record, Thresholds From The Basement, with his band Even In Blackouts and finished his second novel, The Last Temptation Of Clarence Odbody. The novel hits the streets in October 2011.

Hank Boland has been an adjunct Faculty member of the Film Department of Columbia College Chicago since 2004. Additionally, Hank has designed and taught seminars on topics such as Audio Theatre, Personal Essay and Monologues, and 10-minute Plays. In addition to teaching, Hank is a writer with works including commissions by 2nd Story, and Strawdog Theatre Company, as well as four musical comedies which have collectively had over two hundred productions around the world. Hank is a proud ensemble member, and the Managing Director, of Strawdog Theatre Company.

Dina Marie Klahn is currently the resident stage manager for the Old World Theatre company based in Skokie IL. She is a recent graduate of UIC with a bachelor's in directing and design. Although she loves stage management she aspires to be a prominent director in Chicago specializing in feminist and educational theatre. Dina Marie would like to thank her amazing boyfriend Kevin for putting up with her crazy schedule and her gorgeous cast for being sexy and talented.

Regan Davis is an improviser, actor, and director originally from St. Petersburg, Florida. He has directed improv, sketch, and plays both in Florida and Chicago. Previously he directed one of the many sketch shows for Joe Janes' 365Sketches; Status, River Lethe, and the Steps for Theatre Momentum; Straining to Be Hip for Bookstore Productions; and groups for the Miami Improv Festival and the Dirty South Improv Festival in Chapel Hill, NC.

Patrick Kelly is thrilled to finish his Chicago tenure the same way it began: working alongside Joe Janes and Don Hall. Patrick directed for 2^nd Story and appeared onstage in WNEP’s The (Edward) Hopper Project, 365 Sketches by Joe Janes, and most recently in Robot vs. Dinosaur’s Viking Women. Patrick leaves Chicago at the end of June to pursue his MFA in acting at NYU/Tisch. Thanks to Joe, Don, the cast and crew, and Martha.

Why see this show?

Well, first off, it's our last night! See 50 Plays before it's gone. I like this block. It contains the creative insanity of John Pierson, one of my favorite peeps in the world who directed Don Hall and I in our Sketchfest show, Don Hall and Joe Janes Are Using This Show To Try To Get Laid. I sat in on a Butterfly Knife rehearsal a few weeks ago. He has assembled a brilliant cast and the piece is some crazy fun noir. The evening also features two radio pieces with two distinct approaches. Scrath'd is a horror piece and Hank chose to present it as such with a few live enhancements. Effluvia Falls is one of my favorite pieces from The Armageddon Radio Hour. Regan is presenting as a cast doing a live radio show. Peter Pain is a "what happened after?" story of Peter Pan and Dina's cast is superbly cast and would give any regular cast of Peter Pan a run for their money. All Things Foul was fun to write, although it took a little longer than most of the pieces. This is pretty much Macbeth in a right wing Christain fundamentalist church.

For tickets and information, click HERE.

50 Plays - June 24, 2011 10:30pm

We close out the Friday shows with some insanity, a few messes and a surprise that I can't tell you about because it's a surprise.

Friday June 24 10:30pm

Forgotten Dreams – director: David Rocco Facchini – cast: Maureen Allen, Bryan Dawidowicz, Brian Hurwitz

The Machine Breaks Down – director: Don Hall – cast: Erin Orr, Peter Kremidas VO: Paul Friedman, Peter Sagal, Carl Kasell, Melba Lara, Don Hall

Luna Teak and Tong – director: Rinska Prestinary – cast: Lacy Katherine Campbell, Rinska Prestinary

Jughead – director: Brian Posen – cast: Teagan Walsh Davis, Lisa Duke, Jonathan Hymen, Ryan Brinkerhoff

Automatic Teller Machine Machine – director: Michael A. Rose – cast: Megan Captaine, Stacey High, Keith Gatchel, KaCee J. Hudson

The Directors

David Rocco Facchini suffered major withdrawal after such a fulfilling experience directing Disco Heaven as a part of Joe Janes 365 Sketches last year. He tried to fill his emptiness in the interim by directing Planet Karate –A Butt-Kicking Play at both the Second City and Annoyance Theatres, writing and directing for his sketch comedy group *Creepy Hug, editing and producing Second City’s weekly video festival 7 Day Shorts – Chicago and even getting in front of the camera in webisodes of Two-Minute Meals with Champ. It just hasn’t been enough though, so he appreciates returning to the Straw Dog Theatre and would like to thank Don, Spanky and Pagano, along with his wonderful cast; Brian, Bryan and Mo. But mostly, David is thankful to his therapist for strongly suggesting to Joe that allowing David to direct in 50 Plays would be in everyone’s best interest. Thanks Joe.

Don Hall is the Founding Director of Chicago's fringey WNEP Theater, where he has produced over 125 World Premieres and directed 35 - 50 of them since 1992. He directs shows around town for money (or the satisfaction of directing something unique). He's also an actor and has performed in shows by Second City, WNEP Theater, The Mammals, Chicago ComedySportz, Chemically Imbalanced Comedy, Livewire Theater, and others. Don also works as the Events Coordinator for WBEZ where he has produced dozens of events and is also the House Manager/Production Manager/Audience Services Manager for NPR'sWait Wait...Don't Tell Me! and directed the Audible Feast for WBEZ featuring NPR luminariesScott Simon, Ira Glass and Peter Sagal.

Rinska Prestinary is a Dominican-American hailing from many different places but now considers Chicago her home. She started acting her last 2 years of high school and took a chance that she would find her place in the theatre world, with help from Columbia College Chicago. She was Lucky enough her Jr. year of College to land her first professional show with her new found family at Steep Theatre, where she was nominated for Supporting Actress, Best Play and won best ensemble for, In Arabia We'd All Be Kings by the Jeff Committee. She has worked with amazing companies such as Collaboraction, Teatro Vista, The Goodman, Pegasus Players among many other theatres working in full length productions to stage readings and festivals. Rinska was one of the directors of 365 Sketches. She and Joe have collaborated on projects for the Neo-Futurists and Collaboraction. Lacey and Rinska are reuniting after working with Silk Road Theatre Projects on the critically-acclaimed Scorched last year.

Brian Posen. Brian Does a lot of stuff.

Michael A Rose is a writer, performance artist, producer and musician living in Chicago IL with a cat named Dandelion. Originally from the frozen wastes of North Dakota, Michael’s plays have been produced in New York, Chicago, Portland, Denver and several other major cities. He is founder and artistic director of RoShamBo Theatre, and releases industrial and experimental music under the pseudonym Flood Damage. His debut novel entitled “Party Wolves in My Skull” will be published by Eraserhead Press at the end of 2011. He is honored to be part of this amazing event.

What's Up With This Show?

Forgotten Dreams - This is a silent scene originally written for BriKo. If that had happened, Brian Posen, one of the busiest dudes in Chicago theater, would have performed in two of the 50 Plays as well as directing a third. Unfortunately, the three members of BriKo just couldn't work out their schedule. I was ready to let the play go and move in, but I like it. It's about cavemen (cave people?) workingout the kinks in cave painting. I pitched it to David who I know to insanely creative when it comes to props and staging. He bit. He liked the script and I didn't have to place it on the deleted scenes section of the DVD, which doesn't exist.

The Machine Breaks Down - This, too, almost didn't make it into the show. This was the second piece I wrote for 50 Plays and the director was disappointed. Not so much disappointed in the piece, just disappointed that I didn't write something else for them. It was a good experience in that it helped me more clearly define what it was I was doing and that I needed to tell the directors that I wasn't customizing scripts for them, I was simply writing with them and their cast in mind. While I'm totally open to feedback, the only thing I did not want to hear from a director is "Could you write something else?" Don Hall liked the piece and swooped in to pick it up. It's about a couple in the deep pits of their relationship where all they do together is sit on the couch and face the TV.

Luna Teak and Tong - This was a buttload of fun to write. Lacey wanted to play someone evil. I wasn't sure if I was going to include Rinska on stage or not since she was also directing. Fortunately, I decided to challenge her and give her two roles to juggle on top of directing. Lacey plays an evil aunt out to force a young "suitor" to date her quite deformed daughter. I saw this in tech and Lacey really takes on this role with gusto. I look forward to seeing it with an audience.

Jughead - Imagine Who's Afraid of Virgina Woolfe? if it took place in a trailer park with rednecks. All hell breaks loose in this scene between two couples and ends in a rather explosive way. It may have you running from the theater. But don't go too far. There's one more piece left.

Automatic Teller Machine Machine - This one is both surreal and meta. In meeting with casts and directors, if they ever said, "We'd like to do something absurd, surreal or dada-esque." well, look out. To me, that's like giving a crazy person permission to stop trying to act normal and be full on crazy. This has a little for everyone. if everyone likes butoh dancing and fog machines.

For more information and to buy tickets, click HERE.

50 Plays - June 24, 2011 8:00pm

First show of the second weekend and, WOW, this bad boy is packed! Due to a scheduling snafu, there will be six plays in the 8pm show. If you're looking to get the most value for your ten bucks, this is it! Plus, some of these pieces run longer than ten minutes. You may actually make money from your ten dollar investment!

Friday, June 24 8pm

Jazz Hands and Gypsy Heart – An Evening with Harmony Bell – director: Jessica Hutchinson – cast: Marsha Harmon

Chet and the Devil I – director: Ric Walker – cast: Lily Stephens, Julia Lippert, Demian Krentz, Harrison Pak, Sarah Soskin, Michael Menconi

Creepy That Way – director: Marissa McKown – cast: Brian Shaw, Blayne Greiner, Anne Sunseri, Elizabeth Vanderhoof

Chet and the Devil 2 – director: Ric Walker – cast: cast: Lily Stephens, Julia Lippert, Demian Krentz, Harrison Pak, Sarah Soskin, Michael Menconi

Belmont– director: Hank Hilbert – cast: Peyton Daley, Michael Pieper

Rover from Dover – director: Rich Cotovsky – cast: Rudy Galvan, Dereck Garner, Dan Behrendt

Chet and the Devil 3 – director: Ric Walker – cast: Lily Stephens, Julia Lippert, Demian Krentz, Harrison Pak, Sarah Soskin, Michael Menconi

W.R.Y. – director: Jonathan Hirsch – cast: John Mobley, Brittany Townsley, Breanan Roach

The Directors

Jessica Hutchinson is the artistic director of New Leaf Theatre. Her directing credits include The Dining Room, Six Years, Touch, The Man Who Was Thursday (New Leaf), Orange Flower Water (BackStage Theatre), Hideous Progeny (LiveWire Chicago Theatre. Her latest work with New Leaf, Lighthousekeeping, runs at the DCA Storefront Theatre through July 17.

Ric Walker is thrilled to be a part of this festival. You may have seen Ric at the Steppenwolf or Goodman Theatres where he is a frequent patron. Ric is proud of his work and association with such groups as The Improvised Shakespeare Company, 2nd Story and The Second City. Ric would like to thank Nevena Todorovic, Tonette Novarro, and especially his cast not only for their hard work, fun and dedication which they brought to the project but also for being at least 10% better looking than other casts.

Marissa McKown has worked with Strawdog Theater Company, City Lit, Free Street Theater, and with former Wooster Group member Michael Stumm among others. Marissa's personal favorite production was Hunky Dory, a play inspired by the David Bowie album of the same name. Actually, almost every show she works on is her favorite. Currently Marissa is working on her artistic collective (GAAC) and is assisting Ann Filmer on Stations Lost and begining rehearsals for Global, which is part of Jackalope's Living Newspapers short plays festival.

Hank Hilbert is delighted to be a part of 50 Plays. Peyton got to know our amazing writer as his AD in the workshop/show/book, Process. She most recently played Blanche in Streetcar this past April. Michael Pieper is the Head and creator of Second City 's Acting Program where Hank and Peyton teach. We are thrilled to bring to life Belmont were beginnings are endings and endings are new beginnings.

Richard Cotovsky is a founding member of Mary-Arrchie Theatre Co. He has directed multitudinous plays at Mary-Arrchie including Detective Story, Saved, A Bright Room Called Day, The Resistible Rise Of Arturo Ui, The Job, Birdsend for which he recieved an After Dark Award, and Freedom of The City for which he received a Joseph Jefferson Citation. He has also directed for A Red Orchid Theatre, Live Bait Theatre, The Irish American Heritage Center, and Profiles Theatre Co. He has been known as an actor and has recently been seen in The Homecoming at Mary-Arrchie. He did perform in a play a The Rhinoceros Theatre Festival with Joe Janes in a show called Underground (editor's note: This is true! I played George Wallace. Governor George Wallace. Who died while we were in rehearsals. We didn't change a damn thing.)

Jonathan Hirsch is originally form Canada, He will be graduating from Columbia this coming July from the directing program. Jonathan is also an alumnus of CalArts, where he studied in the design program. His recent directing credits include: Mud by Maria Irene Fornes, That Other Person by David Lindsey Abaire. Recent producing credits include: Playing in repertory, House by Daniel Macivor and Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett presented in Toronto Canada.

Why should you see this show?

Holy, balls, this show is so loaded with talent we should be charging you ten bucks every two minutes. It's ridiculous. You at least owe me a favor. We can work out the details, later.

Jazz Hands and Gypsy Heart – An Evening with Harmony Bell - I had a blast writing this one. Marsha is one of my favorite actors and, for being how funny she is, just doesn't get cast enough in comedies. Jess is also one of my favorite directors, so it's a pleasure to be working with her. This is a one-woman show that's a riff on Elaine Stritch, if Elaine weren't well known or especially talented. Anyone who has seen a lot of my work knows I have a soft spot for big egos to go with their big delusions.

Chet and the Devil I, II & III - This one of my favorites from 365 Sketches and is directed by one of my oldest and dearest friends, Ric Walker. I like this one because it takes a classic (read, perhaps, cliche) comic situation - a devil and an angel on one's shoulders at a time of a major decision - and takes it in an unexpected direction.

Creepy That Way - This is a piece I wrote for AbbieFest last year. It's quite possible you didn't see it at 2am on a Sunday morning last summer. Here's your chance to see it and with one of my favorite actors/teachers, Brain Shaw. I was thrilled when i found out he was doing this. Some loose trivia to throw around, Brian's lovely wife Stephanie was originally asked to direct this last year and Rich Cotovsky, one of the 8pm directors, produces AbbieFest. But what about the piece itself? It's the first thing I wrote after 365 Sketches. I wanted to let loose with one of the sickest, crazy things I could muster. I think it's funny and evil and dabbles in grand guignol. Enjoy!

Belmont - Belmont is from 365 Sketches. It's one of the first strictly two-person scenes I ever wrote. It's origins go back to a class I took at Chicago Dramatists years ago. When I rewrote it for 365, Peyton read it and really liked it. I proposed her doing it for 50 Plays which is how it ended up here. Both she and Michael are instructors at The Second City Training Center. Happy to see them on stage and performing together.

Rover from Dover - Holy cow, Rich Cotovsky is in da houze! Thrilled to have Rich be a part of 50 Plays. This play was written for him and his cast. It was an interesting interview process. I usually end by asking what people are a geek about. I typically get answers like Battlestar Gallactica, Dr. Who, Harry Potter, Star Trek, etc. You know, the stuff I would say! With these guys I got things like Pinter, dramas about families falling apart, characters really struggling with sanity. Loved it.

W.R.Y. - This is a Mad Men inspired piece I wrote for one of the Columbia 24-Hour New Plays Festivals. I'm not sure why it didn't end up in 365. Maybe I felt it was too stylized. I'm glad it's here. Jonathan stepped in to replace a director who had to leave the state. I have seen Jonathan's work and his attention to detail is amazing. Looking forward to seeing what he does with this.

For tickets and more logistical info, click HERE.

50 Plays - June 23, 2011 8:00pm - IMPORTANT UPDATE!!!

Juggling 50 directors and casts, this had to happen. There has been a scheduling mix-up. Belmont, featuring Michael Pieper and Peyton Daley, is in the Friday, 8pm show. NOT on Thursday. So, if you come this Thursday, in place of Belmont, you will see an encore performance of last Thursday's Baby Blue Sedan with Ryan Hake, Torian Miller and Johnathan Wallace, directed by J. Cody Spellman. And, if you come see the 8pm show on Friday, you'll see six plays instead of the usual five. More bang for your theater-going buck!

25 plays down, 25 to go! If you come on Thursday, and you should, here's what you'll see...

Thursday, June 23 8PM

Suddenly Stupid – director: George Lyons – cast: David Gibbons and Monica Gilley

The Saddest vacant Lot In All The World - director: Jay Steigmann – cast: Allison Black, Katie Dufresne, Liz Reuss

Custard with Ukulele – director: Kayla Mae Anderson – cast: Kathryn Acosta, Provvidenza Catalano, Robert Francis Curtis, Zan Rosenthal

Baby Blue Sedan – director J. Cody Spellman - cast: Jonathan Wallace, Torian Miller, Ryan Hake. Special Thanks to David Woolley, Sam Hubbard, Kathryn Acosta

Bunny – director: Kaiser Ahmed – cast: Kristen Anderson, Anne Sears, Pat Whalen

Director's Bios

George Lyons is a recent directing graduate from Columbia University. He's done lots of stuff, except make sure I have his director's bio. George!

Kayla Mae Anderson is a recent graduate of Columbia College Chicago's directing program, where she directed, wrote and performed in many pieces, her favorite and most recent being Rag and Bone by Noah Haidle. Kayla recently participated in the 14 @ Stage773 festival where she performed in her original solo piece Of Mice and directed for the Naked 24 Hour Project. Look for her upcoming work at the side project's site specific play festival where she will be directing Ceremony by Mark Schultz and assisting Kimberly Senior at American Blues Theater's Waiting for Lefty.

Jay Steigmann is an Associate Faculty Member of the Second City Training Center, where she’s been teaching writing and improvisation since 2004. Steigmann has written and directed several plays (Funeral), Cabaret Shows (LEGS!), and countless sketch shows. Steigmann says thanks to Joe Janes and the crew of The Saddest Vacant Lot in All the World!

J. Cody Spellman is a Junior Directing Theatre Major at Columbia College. His previous works include assistant directing The Normal Heart, Equus, and Floyd Collins, where he also was the dramaturg. Right now he is directing a film with Postmark Productions, stage managing the Neapolitan Theatre Co's Off Chekhov Fest, and will be assisting Brian Posen on This Is Our Youth, as well as Dramaturg for Columbia's next mainstage show Splendora.

Kaiser Ahmed is the co-founding artisitic director of Jackelope Theatre Company. He co-directed The Last Exodus of American Men, Jackalope's inaugural production and directed the recent production of Slaughter City. Kaiser is also an Artistic Associate at The Artistic Home Theatre Company. A member there for many years, directed House of Yes, Memories from Dreamland, and Last Days of Communisn. He performed in their Jeff-Recomended Modigliani, assistant directed the Jeff Recomended Sweet Bird of Youth, Skin of Our Teeth, Look Homeward Angel and Juno and the Paycock (Jeff Nominated for Best Production.)

Why This Show May Be Of Interest To You...

Suddenly Stupid - written for George and his cast. This was tricky to write because it is loaded with twists. This is about two co-workers trying to screw each other while trying to screw each other.

The Saddest vacant Lot In All The World - written for Jay and her cast. This is a piece where the three actors and Jay told me the do tons of sketch comedy and broad characters and would like to try something different. While having it's moments of humor, it's also very sad, I think. It's about a woman visiting the spot where her abducted child's body was found a year ago. The title comes from a song by Grandaddy. While the play has little to do with the song, I love the mood it evokes. You can hear it by clicking HERE.

Custard with Ukulele - written for Kayla and her cast. This is where meeting with the director and cast before writing their piece really paid off. They all knew each other, but there's something they all didn't know. They all knew how to play the ukulele! When we discovered that, it was like a lightbulb exploding. I couldn't NOT use that. It's a fun, slightly surreal piece.

Baby Blue Sedan - This is an encore performance of a piece from opening night. This Tarrantino-esque glimpse into three hitmen waiting for their target, a colleague, is a lot of fun. Cody did a great job creating the tension and the humor the play needs and Torien, Johnny and Ryan look like they're having the time of their lives. Definitely one of the plays that meets and exceeds my expectations as the author.

Bunny - Was written during 365 Sketches as part of Columbia College's 24-Hour New Plays Festival. It is ridiculous. A senior in high school finds himself the at the apex of a love triangle while being aggressively pursued by a female vampire and a gay werewolf. Lots of fun while taking digs at Twilight.

The Official Schedule of 50 Plays by Joe Janes

All shows are at Strawdog Theater, 3829 North Broadway. Tickets are only $10 and are available at the door or by clicking HERE.

Thursday, June 16 8PM

We Reach With Radio (1) – director: Brea Hayes - cast: Kai Young, Max Lapine

Cheddar Moon – director: Danni Parpan - cast: Alex Marcus, Conor McCahill, Ike Holter, David Seeber

WRWR (2) – director: Brea Hayes - cast: cast: Kai Young, Brendan Buckley

Baby Blue Sedan – director: J. Cody Spellman - cast: Jonathan Wallace, Torian Miller, Ryan Hake

Sleeping Handsome – director: Tyler Wilsey - cast: Danni Parpan, Joe Barlow

WRWR (3) – director: Brea Hayes - cast: cast: Kai Young, Max Lapine, AJ Ware

Burka Betty – director: Kyra Lewandowsky - cast: Dana Black

The 50th Play - Joe will meet with director Jason Fleece and his cast and interview them in front of the audience. He will take what he learns and write them a play that will premiere Saturday, June 18th at 8pm.

Friday, June 17 8PM

Breakfast with Burt and Birdie – director: Rebekah Walendzak - cast: Michael Gellman, Deborah Ann Smith, Noah Ginex

Bounders – director: Nathan Robbel - cast: Danielle Gennaoui, Colby Sellers, Jøel Vining

Grandpapa’s Keys – director: Michael Gellman - cast: Rebekah Walendzak, Kimmie Companik-Warner

Mango Mouth – director: Emily Darlington Cooke - cast: Jon Beal, Zan Rosenthal, Maggie O'Keefe

Salmon Falls – director: Dawn Renee Jones - cast: Kayla Graham, Alex Farrington, Will Casey

Friday, June 17 10:30PM

Chuck and Randy in the Morning (6:15am) – director: Rose Freeman - cast: Brian Posen, Joe Mack

Party Like It's Thursday – director: Rachel Staelins - cast: Amanda Dodge, Samay Gheewala, Sarah Mikayla Brown, Tracy Wray, Vinnie Lacey. Special Thanks to Nicci Schumacher.

Once Upon a Time in a Church Basement – director: Jessica Wright - cast: Catherine Price, Aileen McGroddy, Brittney Love Smith

Chuck and Randy in the Morning (6:45am) – director: Rose Freeman - cast: Brian Posen, Joe Mack

Beat Noir – director: Bina Martin - cast: Jeff Hedges, Jen Malinsky, Vanessa Menton, Matt Malinsky

Moving Box – director: Rob Colletti, assistant director: Adam Ston - cast: John Reynolds, Sarita Scherpereel, Zach Rebich, Steve Hund, Eric Oren

Chuck and Randy in the Morning (6:59am) – director: Rose Freeman - cast: Brian Posen, Joe Mack, Donna June Ray, Bill Boehler, David Fink

Saturday, June 18 8pm

Butterfly Collector – director: Ben Harpe - cast: Melissa Fricke, Zach Zimmerman

The 50th Play – director: Jason Fleece - cast: Debbie Ruzicka, Trey Hanks, Ian Maxwell, Andy Quijano, Derrick Gaetke

A Love That Lasts Forever – director: Jen Ellison - cast: Patrick Brennan, Mary Jo Bolduc, Dave Stinton, Kevin Gladish

A Place Where Two Rivers Meet – director: Jake Schneider - cast: Ray Mees, Colleen Breen, Aaron Caponigro, Aaron Alonzo, Justin Howard

Summer Kisses, Winter Tears – director: John Hildreth - cast: Mary Jo Bolduc, John Mobley, Erin Kathryn Morrill, Janna Sobel, C.J. Tuor, Rudy Voit.

Saturday, June 18, 2011 10:30pm

Dreaming Beauty – director: Scott Olson - cast: Meg Harkins, Cassie Ahiers, Liz Siedt, Dylan James Hackworth, Daniel Planz, J.M. Bourgeois

Express Yourself – director: Cassie Ahiers - cast: Kaitlin Larson , Molly Ruthenberg, Shannon Noll, Jack Gallagher

The Pie Man – director: Jeff Ginsberg - cast: Nathan Paul, Gillian Hastings, Marvin Quijada Special thanks: Zander Schneider

Lube – director: Brooke Johnson - cast: Grace Wagner, Jason Nykiel, Julia Daubert, Liz Siedt, Megan Caccamo, Mickey Stegall, Mike Newquist, Nora Broz, Spencer McCurnin Fight Choreography: Mickey Stegall Music: Emme Williams Sound Effects: Zach Thostesen

The Film of My Love – director: Emma Peterson - cast: Natalie DiCristofano, Megan Wildebour, Jeffery Brown, David Mitchell, Don Hall?

Thursday, June 23 8PM

Suddenly Stupid – director: George Lyons – cast: David Gibbons and Monica Gilley

The Saddest vacant Lot In All The World - director: Jay Steigmann – cast: Allison Black, Katie Dufresne , Liz Reuss

Custard with Ukulele – director: Kayla Mae Anderson – cast: Kathryn Acosta, Provvidenza Catalano, Robert Francis Curtis, Zan Rosenthal

Belmont – director: Hank Hilberth – cast: Peyton Daley, Michael Pieper

Bunny – director: Kaiser Ahmed – cast: Kristen Anderson

Friday, June 24 8pm

Jazz Hands and Gypsy Heart – An Evening with Harmony Bell – director: Jessica Hutchinson – cast: Marsha Harmon

Chet and the Devil I – director: Ric Walker – cast: Lily Stephens, Julia Lippert, Demian Krentz, Harrison Pak, Sarah Soskin, Michael Menconi

Creepy That Way – director: Marissa McKown – cast: Brian Shaw, Blayne Greiner, Anne Sunseri, Elizabeth Vanderhoof

Chet and the Devil 2 – director: Ric Walker – cast: cast: Lily Stephens, Julia Lippert, Demian Krentz, Harrison Pak, Sarah Soskin, Michael Menconi

Rover from Dover – director: Rich Cotovsky – cast: Rudy Galvan,

Chet and the Devil 3 – director: Ric Walker – cast: cast: Lily Stephens, Julia Lippert, Demian Krentz, Harrison Pak, Sarah Soskin, Michael Menconi

W.R.Y. –director: Jonathan Hirsch – cast: John Mobley, Brittany Townsley, Breanan Roach

Friday June 24 10:30pm

Forgotten Dreams – director: David Rocco Facchini – cast: Maureen Allen, Bryan Dawidowicz, Brian Hurwitz

The Machine Breaks Down – director: Don Hall – cast: Erin Orr, Greg Wenz VO: Paul Friedman, Peter Sagal, Carl Kasell, Melba Lara, Don Hall

Luna Teak and Tong – director: Rinska Prestinary – cast: Lacy Katherine Campbell, Rinska Prestinary

Jughead – director: Brian Posen – cast: Teagan Walsh Davis, Lisa Duke, Jonathan Hymen, Ryan Brinkerhoff

Automatic Teller Machine Machine – director: Michael Rose – cast: Megan Captaine, Stacey High, Keith Gatchel, KaCee J Hudson

Saturday, June 25 8pm

Butterfly Knife – director: John Pierson – cast: Eric T. Roth, Paige Saliba, Clifton Frei, Mathew Hope, Erin Orr

Scratch’d – director: Hank Boland – cast:

Peter Pain – director: Dina Marie Klahn – cast: Brooke Johnson, Erin Morrill, Emme Williams

Effluvia Falls – director: Regan Davis – cast: Patrick Kelly, Mikayla Brown, Brenda Kelly, Jonathan Sales, Aaron Pagel, Craig Rennak

All Things Foul – director: Patrick Kelly – cast: Laurens Wilson, Erin Wilson, Alex Farrington

Saturday, June 25 10:30pm

Hogan's Real Piesca – director: Megan A. Smith – cast: Bekki Anderson, Kurt Lewis, Dustin Levell, Bruce Phillips

Derek Is An Asshole – director: Jeff Bouthiette – cast: Allen Doederlein and Maria Margaglione

Violent Femmes – director: Letitia Guillard – cast:

Butterfly Jar – director: Sydney Chatman – cast:

Steampunk Moonstomp – director: Rebecca Langguth – cast: Kim Boler, John Sundholm, Audery Naomi Smith

All shows are at Strawdog Theater, 3829 North Broadway. Tickets are only $10 and are available at the door or by clicking HERE.