AWoW Administrator

"SPOTLIGHT ON" ACTRESS MELISSA RITZ

Who is Melissa Ritz?

I’m an Army brat. My father was in the military and although I was born in Fort Sill, OK, I’ve lived all over the United States and Europe.

I’ve always had an interest in the arts. When I was attending an American high school in Germany I learned of a local English-speaking theater called The Frankfurt Playhouse. I immediately signed up to audition for their first show of the season, Funny Girl, and I got cast in the chorus. My relationship with the community of artists was magical. It opened my eyes to theater, music, acting and rehearsing. Working with military spouses, German locals, and defense contractors I also performed in Oklahoma! and Hello, Dolly!

My family moved from Germany to Alabama during my senior year of high school, but after graduating from high school I longed to return to Europe. The easiest way was to join the military. This stunned my parents; I was the ‘artsy’ type and never had expressed any desire to go into the Air Force. I mean, I had purple hair!

I learned about a military entertainment program called Tops in Blue while working as a medical laboratory technician in the Air Force. The program is comprised of musicians, technicians, vocalists, and dancers who perform a 90-minute show at military installations around the world. I auditioned and was accepted for the program. My confidence burgeoned; I began to see the “big picture” and years later drew from my experiences to create a one-woman show, “Journey of a Bombshell: The Ina Ray Hutton Story.”

Just after 9-11, I was working in a hospital in Germany. I was on a 24-hour standby deployment for a MASH unit in Baghdad City, and although I never deployed to Baghdad, many who suffered casualties from the Iraqi invasion were brought to the hospital. I reevaluated my life after seeing so many soldiers die at such a young age. Was I following my passion? Where was my heart guiding me? All answers led back to the theater.

I wanted to go somewhere new, somewhere that wasn’t as stressful and completely different from the military. I moved to Las Vegas, where I worked as a cocktail waitress in a major “Strip” casino. How’s that for different!

I used my GI Bill to get my BA in Dance, and MFA in Theater Performance from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. My training and experiences were empowering; I was ready for a move to New York City, which I did in October 2013.

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What are you working on at the moment?

My one-woman show, Journey of a Bombshell: The Ina Ray Hutton Story. Ina Ray Hutton was a ‘female bandleader’ of an all-girl band, The Melodears, in the 1930’s. What started out as a novelty act became one of the most sought out and lucrative musical acts of the Big Band era. Ina was the first woman to conduct male bands; she pioneered women in jazz and often arranged women performers’ initial gigs.

Born on the South Side of Chicago, Ina had to deal with racial issues, which created a number of challenges in music and in the theatre during the early part of the 20th century. Ina’s life off stage was equally challenging: She was married six times but never had children. She was, however, in many respects, business savvy, including negotiating her own contracts and creating her own image.

After I arrived in NYC I volunteered at the United Solo Theater Festival. I saw a gorgeous show called Magdalen, by Artists Without Walls’ member Erin Layton and Erin put me in touch with her director Julie Kline. After meeting Julie, I asked her to direct my show.

During the show I highlight Ina’s career accomplishments through songs, tap dancing, and video projection. We debuted “Ina” at United Solo this past October and sold out all four performances. I’m very proud that I was honored as “Best Emerging Actress.” I hope to take the show to Las Vegas this summer. More info can be found at Journey of a Bombshell.

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 Do you have upcoming events you’d like people to attend?

I’ll be performing a scene from “Ina” at Artists Without Walls’ Showcase at The Cell Theatre on Tuesday, January 27^th. I will also be performing the full length show on Sunday, February 15^th, 9pm, at the Triad Theater/Stage 72. It’s located just above Seven’s Turkish Grill on 72^nd and Broadway. Tickets can be purchased at Brown Paper Tickets

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Who are the actors/writers / playwrights, past and present, you admire?

Playwrights: Tennessee Williams, Lynn Nottage, Shakespeare, John Patrick Shanley

Actors: Tilda Swinton, Cherry Jones, Anna Deavere Smith, Joaquin Phoenix, John Lithgow

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Who is your greatest inspiration and why?

WWII Veterans, WAC/WAAC’s, and war Vets. During my time in the military, I met many amazing people who changed the course of history including The Tuskegee Airmen, Medal of Honor recipients and the first women admitted to military. Their sacrifices and accomplishments inspire me to make the most of opportunities that become available.

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Name five things you’d like to do or accomplish in the next five years.

1. Visit Borobudur

2. Write a screenplay version of my show & have it optioned

3. Financially support myself as an actor

4. Speak a foreign language fluently.

5. Open my hips enough so I can finally do lotus pose in yoga!

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If you could dream of trying something in the arts you haven’t tried, but would like to, what would it be?

I’d love to play a musical instrument. Any instrument! Having the ability to play an instrument really well seems like a super power.

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What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Bikram yoga. I teach at Bikram Yoga NYC and Bikram Yoga East Harlem. Try it out!

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Melissa’s Facebook page

Melissa’s “Journey of a Bombshell” Facebook page. Click here to like her page.

Journey of a Bombshell website

GRAINNE DUDDY PERFORMING in BRONA CREHAN'S "MOONLIGHT SONATA"

If you missed the lovely Grainne Duddy at Artists Without Walls’ Holiday Showcase on December 23rd, here is your chance to see her perform. An extract from Moonlight Sonata, written and directed by Brona Crehan, will be part of Manhattan Repertory Theater’s Winter One Act Competition.

Moonlight Sonata is a young woman’s story of finding out and coming to terms with who she is. It received a very warm reception on December 23rd at The Cell and Brona is delighted to have it be part of Manhattan Rep’s competition. The audience members will be the judges so come on out and let us know what you think!

Show dates are:

Tuesday January 13 at 6:30 pm
Wednesday January 14 at 6:30 pm
Thursday January 15 at 6:30 pm
Friday January 16 at 6:30 pm

Manhattan Repertory Theater is located at: 303 W. 42nd St. Suite 614, right past Duane Reade on 42nd St. Enter Right Door to Elevator – go to 6th floor – Suite 614 – You will see signs.

TICKET RESERVATIONS
Tickets are $20 and reservations are made by email at: mrtreserve@gmail.com

ARTISTS WITHOUT WALLS: MEMBERS' UPCOMING EVENTS

Tuesday, Jan 6, 2015, 7pm, Michael Brunnock will be performing at Rockwood Music Hall, 196 Allen St., NYC. Click here to listen to this very talented musician

Singer/songwriter Martina Fiserova will be performing at the Path Cafe, 131 Christopher Street, West Village, NYC on Friday January 9th at 7pm, and featuring a special guest, Yuka Kameda (tap dance). There is no cover.

Sam Adelman’s “That Daughter’s Crazy” starring Rain Pryor will be premiered at The New York African Diaspora International FIlm Festival, Saturday, January 10, 2015at 8:00pm. Teacher’s College, Columbia University 525 W. 120th Street “The Chapel” Click here tickets which for are $15 for the film, Q&A and reception.

Join Annette Homann for her CD release at the Duplex Cabaret Theatre, 61 Christopher St, January 15th, 9:30pm. Tickets are officially on sale now. “I Would love to share my excitement with all of you!” says Annette. For tickets click here.

Jim Hawkins will be telling Frank O’Connor Stories on Friday, January 16 at 7pm, at the Inquiring Mind Book Store and Gallery, 200 Main Street, Saugerties, New York. Storyteller Janet Carter who runs this monthly event will also tell Irish stories. Admission is free. Donations are gratefully accepted.

VERA HOAR and MITCH TRAPHAGEN'S PHOTOS from AWoW'S HOLIDAY SHOWCASE at THE CELL THEATRE

Vera Hoar and Mitch Traphagen took some wonderful photos of the Tuesday night Artists Without Walls’ Showcase at The Cell Theatre. The first grouping were taken by Vera and the second by Mitch. The names appear below each photo.

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Joanne Cunningham, Tom Myles, Connie Roberts, Ron Vazzano, Joanna Migdal — **Joanne Cunningham, Tom Myles, Connie Roberts, Ron Vazzano, and Joanna Migdal**

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**Dan Yurkofsky, Terry McCarthy and Noah Hoffeld**

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Nicole Wilson, Yevgeniy Skroznikov, Grainne Duddy, Maureen Farrell, Maire Clements — **Nicole Wilson, Holt McCallany, Grainne Duddy, Maureen Farrell, Maire Clements**

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The following photos were taken by Mitch Traphagen

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**Cara De Silva, Kevin Murphy, Vera Hoar, Michele Traphagen and Joanne Cunningham**

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ARTISTS WITHOUT WALLS' HOLIDAY SHOWCASE at THE CELL THEATRE, TUESDAY, 12/23, 6:45PM

“This is a note of thanks for supporting my efforts through pictures and words these past two years. I’ve been working as an actor for at least twenty five years now and I’ve never before been involved in anything quite like this. AWoW is a unique blessing. So happy to be a member.” Jack O’Connell, actor, New York

Ron Vazzano is a writer/poet who has read his work at The Cell on a number of occasions since becoming a member of AWoW. As an actor, at a recent Showcase, Ron performed at a monologue he’d written called, “Ten Totems of Obsolescence in Passing.” Tuesday night he will be reading one, as he says, “Seasonally appropriate, poem.” No doubt, humor will abound.

Ed Romanoff’s debut album was a Roots Radio Top 100, number 12 in Europe, and its opening song was voted Song of the Year by the Nashville Songwriters Association. Recently, at fifty years of age, Ed discovered that he’s not Russian as he’d always believed, but Irish. Ed is writing a book about uncovering his true identity as well as recording a followup CD. He will be performing a few of his tunes with, we’re sure, a story or two thrown in.

Singer/songwriter/producer Michael Sheahan will be performing Christmas songs from his three-time award winning Christmas Book, CD and Dance DVD “Mr. Holidays Presents The Roof Top Hop,” as well as songs from his latest Christmas CD, “Some Things Never Change.” Looking for some additional holiday music? Look no further.

“Paper Tigers” is a solo theatrical piece, which is currently being developed by Nick Garr. In “Paper Tigers”, Nick creates, or rather, “recreates,” a variety of characters from the underbelly of the familiar. With them, he explores our shared issues of love, sex, ambition, and self-image, in a world where things are often not as they appear. Nick will be performing a segment that shows Father Rodney, a teacher at an all boys Catholic high school, presenting his final religion class to a group of graduating seniors.

Playwright and writer Joseph Goodrich will present “The New Boy”—-a holiday reminiscence set in Minnesota, where Goodrich grew up. In “The New Boy,” Christmas 1970 is fraught with loss, anxiety, and an unexpected guest. We heard Joe present this piece at Ed McCann’s “Writers Read” recently. Brilliant.

Honor Molloy and Niamh Hyland will present “Christmas on an Island”–adapted from a Radio Eireann script written by Honor’s mother Yvonne Voight. This selection from “Smarty Girl – Dublin Savage” is set in the last days of 1954 when Noleen’s mother heads out to the wilds of Inish Maan for Christmas. Might this include a tune from Ms. Hyland as well?

Marion Stein is a graduate of the Sarah Lawrence MFA program. Her work appeared in Gordon Lish’s legendery Quarterly Magazine. You can catch her snarky television recaps at Happy Nice Time People. Marion’s available fiction includes “Loisaida” – a novel of gentrification and its discontents – as well as the new work she will be reading from at the Showcase.

And rounding out the evening’s performances will be a scene from Brona Crehan’s “Moonlight Sonata,” which will be performed by Grainne Duddy.

A number of artists will have CD’s and books for sale, so if you’re looking for last minute stocking stuffers you’ll find them at The Cell Theatre, 338 W23rd St, tomorrow night,Tuesday, December 23rd, 6:45pm

We hope to see you then.

ARTISTS WITHOUT WALLS' MEMBERS "ON THE TOWN"

Violinist Annette Homann has a Pre-CD-Release show (A casual try-out show for her release performance) on December 22nd, 9pm at Cafe Silvana, 300 W116th St. It’s a free event.

On Christmas Eve Annette will be performing with the Canadian Chamber Orchestra at the Episcopal Church of St James the Less in Scarsdale 4:30 pm, 9:30 pm

On December 23rd at 7:30pm, pianist and songwriter Sasha Papernik will perform holiday classics as part of Swingin’ in The Holiday presented by Jazz at Lincoln Center at the Rubenstein Atrium, Lincoln Center. Show starts at 7:30pm sharp, free admission.

Artists Without Walls’ Holiday Showcase is Tuesday, December 23rd at 6:45pm at The Cell Theatre, 338 W23rd St. Performers include Joseph Goodrich, Honor Molly and Niamh Hyland, Brona Crehan and Grainne Duddy, Michael Sheehan, Ed Romanoff, Marion Stein, Nick Garr and Ron Vazzano.

Join Tim and Cynthia Neale for their New Year’s Day Ceili, January 1, 2015 at 574 Main St., Hampstead, NH. 603 329-4249. BYOB $10 per person. Musicians free.

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And if you’re planning ahead here’s an event for the end of January: Deborah Monlux producer of: Bayou ‘n Brooklyn Music Festival, (next years fest is May 8, 9, 10, 2015) invites you to a free event at Jalopy Theatre 315 Columbia Street Brooklyn NY 11231; Saturday, January 31st, 2015, from 2-5PM.

Join them for the next session of their traditional Brooklyn Cajun Jam Session at the fabulous Jalopy Theatre in Brooklyn. This jam will be led by Jesse Lége.

The Brooklyn Cajun Jam focuses on the traditional Cajun & Creole music of southwest Louisiana. Vocals are sung in Cajun French and are backed up by button accordion, fiddle, guitar, and occasionally, ‘tit fer (triangle) bass and mandolin. Since most tunes are played in the keys of C and G, fiddles are usually tuned down a whole step to FCGD. Bring your instruments, join the music session, dance, or just come by and listen to some great traditional Cajun music.

Fore more info click here.

UPCOMING AWoW MEMBERS' EVENTS

Joe Davidson presents a staged reading of his play “Looking for Cans” on Dec 12th, 1:30pm at the Manhattan VA’s atrium on 23rd Street and First Ave. Included in the cast are AWoW members Mary Tierney, John Moran and David Sharp.

On Sunday, December 14 at 4:30 at Swing the Teapot, 6 Verbana Avenue, Floral Park, “Swinging Holiday High Tea” with Tara O’Grady. All your holiday favorites while you enjoy three tiers of treats, mince pies and tea. $10 music, plus tea service. Reservations required. 516 488-2180

Coming up on December 20th, Prague’s singer/songwriter Martina Martina Fišerová will perform her original music at Rockwood Music Hall, stage 1 (196 Allen street) December 20th at 6pm, no cover.

Artists Without Walls’ Showcase at The Cell Theatre, Tuesday, December 23rd, 6:45 pm. 338 W23rd St, NYC

AWoW MEMBERS AROUND TOWN

On Wednesday, December 3 at 6pm, Kevin Holohan, author of The Brother’s Lot, will be flight-testing some work from a new novel with Maggie Paley, Jenifer Levin and Beth Bosworth at the Cornelia St Cafe, 29 Cornelia St. in Greenwich Village. $8 admission, which includes a free drink so it’s as good as free for an airful of new fiction in this hallowed literary venue.

Friday, December 5th, 2014. Outpost in the Burbs. Honor Finnegan opening “An Evening of Song and Conversation” with Peter Yarrow – 8:00 pm.Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Montclair, 67 Church St., Montclair NJ, NJ 07042 973-744-6560 Price: Tickets are $28 in advance/$32 at the door

ED SULLIVAN, TOPO GIGIO and AWoW

Singer/songwriter Ed Romanoff said, “If you were to put Ed Sullivan, Oscar Wilde and TEDTalks into a blender you’d get Artist Without Walls. The Showcase is a friendly environment for artists to share their work and start unique collaborations in a remarkably intimate setting. One of the most receptive and fun shows I’ve been a part of…”

And now we know who can step into the Ed Sullivan role if we take the the show on the road…Ron Vazzano.

Ron Vazzano as Ed Sullivan

This from Ron, “When you mentioned Ed Sullivan this past Tuesday night, it reminded me that I once played him at a church fund raiser on two different occasions. They were variety shows that went on for two hours. Two hours of having to stay in character as Ed Sullivan introducing these various acts performed by locals and members of the parish. I also did a bit with Topo Gigio, a puppet I still have.”

Ed Sullivan and Topo Gigio

Ron’s still at it. Here he is at a recent Showcase. We’re expecting a “Flying Wallenda” circus act from Ron during December’s Showcase. Okay, maybe not a high-wire act, but what about Topo, Ron?

TOP NOTCH TALENT LINED UP for AWOW'S SHOWCASE at THE CELL, TUESDAY, 11/25/14

We’ve been fortunate to have a number of great violinists and fiddlers at Artists Without Walls’ Showcases, including Deni Bonet, Annette Homann and Bernadette Fee. On Tuesday we will feature another great violinist, Gregory Harrington. Gregory, who has performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and Boston’s Symphony Hall and venues around the world, will be performing a few pieces, including Bach and Nirvana. You won’t want to miss this brilliant performer.

Jim Hawkins has spent decades telling stories, with a sly, folksy understated humor, just like the seanchaís of old, whom Hawkins emulates. With a gentle, easy-going manner and warmth, Jim tells the stories of nearly vanished Irish folkways to audiences far and wide, in public libraries, pubs, churches, universities, in Ireland and here in the United States. “I wish to be a vehicle that carries the history, culture and traditions of the Irish people, and to share the stories, songs and poetry of this great culture with the world. It will be my contribution to keeping this wonderful art-form alive and well.” Come hear him perform an excerpt from his story, “Driving Across America with Billy Zuckerman.”

Finland native and guitarist Robin Pahlman, who has been performing around town with Deni Bonet and who’s wonderful performance at AWoW’s recent Showcase at Rockwood recently, was a big hit with the audience, will be making debut appearance at an AWoW Showcase at The Cell.

We’ve had some incredible performances at AWoW’s Showcases during the past year and right up there with the best was David Sharp’s performance from his one-man show Tennesse Williams. His tour-de-force performance was spellbinding and brought down the house. David will be performing another scene from his work at Tuesday’s Showcase.

Terry McCarthy was born in New York City and grew up in Breezy Point, writing songs as he wandered the winter beach. After surviving both a Catholic and public school education, Terry attended SUNY, College at Purchase where he received a BFA in Theater Arts, all the while knowing his first love and passion was music. Terry who ended a recent Showcase with three terrific tunes from his most recent album, The Charm, will once again be joined by the great guitarist Devon McCarthy.

Joining AWoW for his first appearance is folk singer/songwriter Mickey Coleman. Mickey’s talent for penning songs has been well documented in songs such as Culdaff, Duffy’s Cut, Undocumented Man, The Brantry Boy, My Coalisland Girl, The Holylands Belfast and Kilkeel Fishermen. Mickey has released three albums Carefully Crafted, A Mother’s Lullaby and the critically acclaimed Last Glance and he’s shared the stage with some of the world and Ireland’s top folk artists such as The Chieftains, Cara Dillon, Francis Black, Liam Reilly and Bagatelle, Steve Cooney and many more.

Don Creedon is an award-winning playwright, director, and actor originally from Dublin, Ireland. In October 2010, Don received the 1st Irish 2010 Theatre Festival Audience Award for Best Play for Guy Walks into a Bar. Also in 2010, Don was nominated for Best Director 1st Irish 2010 Theatre Festival for the US premier of Dermot Bolger’s one-woman drama The Holy Ground, featuring Katherine O’Sullivan. Don will present a scene from his one act comedy Divine The Cast with Maeve Price and himself in the role of Father Divine.

Get there early to get a good seat. The Cell Theatre, 338 W23rd St., NYC. The show begins at 7pm.