Program C
September 7-10
Up and Away
by Thomas Andrews of Sewickley, PA
Produced by Straycat Theatre Company
UP AND AWAY explores the difficulty of growing old. The protagonist, an elderly actor named George, lives in Los Angeles and constantly wears a cheap, bright red cape as a signifier of who he once was, Mr. Super: the role of a superhero George played in his youth on a TV show. The play flows through a swirl of different conversations and delusions as time slips out of George’s hands as they grasp for a hold of the life he once had.
Thomas Andrews was born in North Carolina. He started acting in middle school and began writing in high school. He moved to Pittsburgh in 2021 after graduating college with a degree in English and Theatre. Thomas began writing plays while in college and has only recently begun submitting them to competitions now that he believes they are of high enough quality to be performed.
CAST/CREW
Dave Jospeh (George) has come to embrace, respect, and admire the New Works Family of Friends. Viewing the Festival as a sort reunion, he cherishes this annual opportunity to work with the talented theatre community here in the Pittsburgh region. Over the years, he has participated with several local companies performing in a range of productions including, TWELVE ANGRY MEN, GREASE, HARVEY, LOST IN YONKERS, THE WIZARD OF OZ, THE ODD COUPLE, and WAIT UNTIL DARK to name a few. Dave is ecstatic, and considers himself blessed to be involved with this powerful story, cast, and crew. He sends everyone in the Festival a great big BREAK A LEG!!! Love to Amy, Noah, and Lizzy!!!
Mark Yochum (Director/Jack/Boss) has participated in PNWF since the mid-Nineties and has played at local theaters (too numerous to mention) for over forty years. He is pleased to return, always, to the beautiful Genesius Theater, which he opened as Willy Loman, a surprising nearly ten years ago.
Sarah Deasy (Amy/Chelsea/Waitress) is a fortune teller, art school drop out, and part-time super villain. She's thrilled to be participating in New Works for the third year. Other highlights of her ill-advised theatre experiment are, 4D Productions, The Savoyards, Throughline Theatre Company, The Theatre Factory, Gemini Children's Theatre, and Stoops Ferry Theatre Company. Thanks to Mark, Dave and Barbara for being amazing.
Barbara Burgess-Lefebvre (Director/Producer) earned her MFA in directing from Illinois State University and is an associate professor in Theatre and English literature at Robert Morris University. Barbara has directed for many theatres in the Pittsburgh area including Straycat Theatre, Iron Horse Theatre, Richard E. Rauh Conservatory, the Colonial Theatre at RMU, Pittsburgh New Works, Bobcat Players, Stage 62, Little Lake, and most recently South Park Theatre's THESE SHINING LIVES. She also worked with several Chicago area theatres including Steppenwolf Theatre Company, The Black Ensemble Theatre, and Chicago Dramatists. She regularly performs with the Dinner Detective at Pittsburgh’s Omni Penn. Barbara’s happy place is Walt Disney World and she loves helping people plan their dream vacations there. Thanks as always to Jack, Johnna, and Bennett.
The Ferris Wheel
by d Lee Miller of Rego PArk, NY
Produced by The Bobcat Players
We track Debbie and Eddie from their first date through their lives together. We learn about their dreams, trials and losses... And although we all go through the circle of life, we never know where and when it will end.
D. Lee Miller has authored numerous plays/monologues presented in the US and abroad for stage and radio. Her work has been seen at The Secret Theatre (LOVE LOCKS BRIDGE), B3 in Phoenix (THE TEMPESTUOUS), the BARROW GROUP (FAB) and 365 Women a Year. GEORGE FLOYD was performed at the International Human Rights Arts Festival 2021. ORIGAMI TEARS is published in FACING FORWARD (Broadway Play Publishing). BROKEN HEART SYNDROME, COVERS, and TAP TEST are published by Smith & Kraus along with ‘Best of 2022’ monologues. Her work also appears in a variety of literary journals. Miller is a member of HONOR ROLL and the Dramatists Guild.
CAST/CREW
Amanda Anne Leight (Debbie) is delighted to be back at the PNWF and joining The Bobcat Players for the first time. Favorite stage credits include The White Witch in THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE (Heritage Players); PERSEVERENCE (Prime Stage Theatre); Mother/Teacher in FRECKLEFACE STRAWBERRY (Stage 62); Gretchen in BOEING, BOEING, (Theatre Factory); Agatha DeLacey in MISERABLE CREATURES (The Rage of the Stage Players); Agnes in I DO! I DO! (Greensburg Civic Theatre); Miss Scarlet in CLUE (Riverfront Theatre); Magenta in ROCKY HORROR (AAFC); Betty Haynes in WHITE CHRISTMAS (Palisade Playhouse); and Emma Carew in JEKYLL & HYDE (Comtra Theatre). She is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of THE FERRIS WHEEL and she dedicates this performance to the memory of her mother, Kathryn Leight.
Justin Williams (Eddie) is very excited to be performing in the Pittsburgh New Works Festival again. He graduated from Cal U in 2010 where he studied Musical Theatre. Since returning home from Chicago 5 year ago he has had the pleasure of performing more than 35 different roles some of which include, Roy Cohn in ANGELS IN AMERICA: MILLENIUM APPROACHES, Professor Bhaer in LITTLE WOMEN THE MUSICAL, and Herr Drosselmeyer in THE NUTCRACKER SUITE. He wants to thank his friends and family for always providing him with the encouragement and support to do theatre.
Shelly Cary (Director) has been directing for over a decade at several local theaters and can also be seen on stage from time to time. This is her 4th year directing in the Festival. Shelly is currently on the Board of Directors of Pittsburgh New Works as well as The Bobcat Players, where she serves as Vice-President. Favorite directing credits include EXIT LAUGHING, HILDA’S YARD, SUITE SURRENDER, and THE FOURSOME with Red Barn Players, and BLITHE SPIRIT, FOOLISH FISH GIRLS & THE PEARL, DON’T DRESS FOR DINNER, and THE FOURSOME with The Bobcat Players. Shelly has worked for PNC for over 27 years and is currently a Technology Risk Lead. Special thanks and love to her husband David, and daughter Andrea for their unending love and support.
Patti Ross (Producer) is a longtime member of the Bobcat Players and has served as artistic director and outreach chair of the company for many years. She also has acted and directed for the group. Favorite directing credits include BORN YESTERDAY, PICNIC, and A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE. Among her most memorable acting stints are HARPS & HARMONICAS, OLD LOVE and EXIT LAUGHING. She has been producing for the Bobcats' New Works productions since their first appearance at the festival in 2016. Patti was a high school English and theatre teacher for the Freedom Area School District for thirty-seven years.
Jere Antonetti (Stage Manager/Narrator) is a retired teacher who has made many appearances on the Bobcat Players stage. He is excited to work with the Pittsburgh New Works Festival program on THE FERRIS WHEEL.
Still It Moves
by Jeff DeSAntis of BAden, PA
Produced by R-Act Theatre Productions
There once was this guy who found out that the earth revolved around the sun instead of the other way around. This was an incredible, world-changing discovery, and as such, it was naturally treated as "fake news" and he was soundly denounced for it. It's the night before his trial, and he's not going to take it lying down, but even in the 17th century, the truth has a lot to overcome if it's going to see the light of day. STILL IT MOVES is history viewed through a modern prism.
Jeff DeSantis is from Baden PA and has had his work performed in several previous Pittsburgh New Works Festivals. He cut his teeth writing sketch comedy in the 90's for the Cellar Dwellers.
CAST/CREW
R. Philip Hilf (Galeleo) is thrilled to be making his Pittsburgh New Works Festival debut with R-ACT! A recent favorite role was Ben in LAST OF THE BOYS at Greensburg Civic Theatre. He has had a blast getting to know Galileo in Jeff Desantis's wonderful new play!
James Michael Shoberg (Maffeo) is celebrating his 15th year with The Pittsburgh New Works Festival. During his time with the festival, he's received six Donna Awards. In 2012, he achieved the hat-trick of acting, playwriting, and producing in a single weekend—each for a different play. James is the Co-Founder, Artistic Director, and Resident Playwright of The Rage of the Stage Players, now in its 22nd year. His writing credits include numerous fringe plays, monologues, and poems. In 2016, horror writer/director Tom Holland tapped him to write, produce, and direct an official stage play adaptation of the 1985 vampire film FRIGHT NIGHT, which premiered October 2018 in Pittsburgh, and has since been produced in Florida and Prague.
Heather A. Johnson (Virginia) is excited to make her Pittsburgh New Works Festival debut in STILL IT MOVES. Most recently she played Mona in PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE with Stage Warp Productions. Ever since she was cast as the lead in her second-grade play, she has felt that the world “rotates” around her. She appreciates her friends and family for dealing with her drama on and off stage. As a pharmacist and professor in her day job, she is thankful to R-Act Theatre Productions and writer Jeff Desantis for giving her the opportunity to show the audience that science always prevails.
Matt Solter (Ben) is absolutely jazzed to be part of the New Works festival again! He's previously worked with The Theatre Factory (PAINT CHIPS) and The Heritage Players (OEDIPUS, BUT BETTER) at PNWF. You can usually find him at Arcade Comedy Theater where he teaches, coaches, produces, and performs improv comedy. Thanks to everyone at R-Act for being top-drawer people to work with! Enjoy the show, y'all.
Mike Nelson (Director) is a founder of R-ACT and has been acting, directing and advocating for the performing arts in Beaver and Allegheny Counties for over 35 years. He has a degree in Theatre Arts and Music. Mike has been in films, commercials and R-ACT directing credits include CREATION OF THE WORLD AND OTHER BUSINESS, FRACTURED FAIRY TALES and THE RAINMAKER. This is Mike's 8th year participating in PNWF and he is excited to have the opportunity to direct again working with such talented actors and fellow artists.
Amy Joseph (Producer) is excited to participate with the Pittsburgh New Works Festival! Amy most recently performed in LOVE LETTERS (Melissa); favorite roles include THE BOOK OF LIZ (Liz) and FIVE TELLERS DANCING IN THE RAIN (Delores) all with R-ACT Theatre. She is currently serving as board President with Pittsburgh New Works Festival. Amy is a Banker by day at Mars Bank and lives in Monaca with her family.
Tammy Van Evera (Stage Manager) has stage managed for the PNWF for 6 years. Once the Pittsburgh New Works Festival wraps up, Tammy will begin directing R-ACT Theatre Productions radio show, DRACULA. Shout out to her run buddy Lillian!! What's a run buddy, visit whoirun4.com for additional information.