LOOKING GLASS THEATRE
PRESENTS BUG BOY BLUES
A new children's play by Lisa Railsback
Directed by Candace O’Neil Cihocki
Running April 28 – June 3, 2007
NEW YORK – Looking Glass Theatre is proud to present Bug Boy Blues,
a new children’s play inspired by Kafka’s Metamorphosis. This production,
written by Lisa Railsback, is directed by Candace O’Neil Cihocki and
opens at Looking Glass Theatre on Saturday, April 28.
About The Show…
Bug Boy Blues is a fantastical journey into the mind of a young Gregor Samsa, who struggles to understand his family and make friends. “Grade school is a horrible place,” Gregor says to the play’s guide, Butterfly girl, just before they take a ride through time to show us what it is like to be ten-years-old and feel invisible.
Gregor faces many challenges as a young boy, and finds solace in the bug world: a place to escape the “hustle-and-bustle” of life, freaky parents and of course a school of kids who just don't understand. Bug Boy Blues is a quirky, fun, imaginative play for all ages loosely based on Kafka. It is what Metamorphosis would be with funky dancing bugs, acrobatics, a live jam band and colorful, cartoon-like characters. This production is an adventure that will make you dance in your seat a little, too.
CAST: Danny Gibel, Nic Heppe, Marci Koltonuk, Brooke Lucas, Pauline Miller, Julie Nelson, Krystal Osbourne,
Heather Siler, Jeff Stevens*, and Erin Sullivan.
CREW: Candace O'Neil Cihocki (Director), Krystal Osbourne (Assistant Director/Stage Manager),
Caroline Lakin (Assistant Director/Stage Manager), Carolyn Mraz (Scenic Design), Ryan Metzler (Lighting Design),
David Withrow (Costume Design), and Andrew Hogan (Music Direction).
About Director Candace O’Neil Cihocki…
Ms. O’Neil Cihocki graduated from Adelphi University in 2001 with a BFA in
Performing Arts, where she studied acting, dance and technical theatre.
She also attended The New School Parsons from 2004-2005 and studied design.
She has directed multiple productions at Looking Glass, including Helix 999,
an adaptation of Medea in the Looking Glass Spring 2006 Forum and
other Writer/Director Forums. Ms. O’Neil Cihocki is also creating a dance/theatre
piece that explores insomnia and other psychological disorders. Other recent
credits include the set design for InterCATaction/Children’s Adaptive Theater Fox
Knocks Play, sound design for Helix 999, Medea, Word and Ladders,
Lucina Natalus Procrastinatio (Looking Glass Theatre), and Aggravation (TSI).
She also formed an Improv group and dabbles in costume design, poetry
and free-lance photography.
About Looking Glass Theatre…
Looking Glass Theatre’s mission is to explore and expand the feminine aesthetic, producing works by historic
female playwrights, new works by women, and productions of the classics re-imagined by contemporary
women directors. This June, Looking Glass Theatre and Artistic Director Justine Lambert received The Lucille
Lortel Award from The League of Professional Theatre Women. Additionally, New York Resident named Ms.
Lambert one of the Top 100 New Yorkers of 2003 for her work with the company.
* Appears courtesy of Actors' Equity Association.
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BUG BOY BLUES -- April 28 - June 3, 2007
SCHEDULE: Saturday @ 12PM and 2pm; Sunday @ 2pm and 4pm
TICKET PRICE: $12 general, $10 children 12 and under
ADDRESS: 422 West 57th Street, between 9th and 10th Avenues
PHONE: (212) 307-9467
TDF Vouchers Accepted!
This show is now closed.
CAST
Daniel Gibel (Mr. Samsa, Lady Bug) is excited to making his debut here at The Looking Glass Theatre. Born in Rocky Point, NY and a recent graduate of Adelphi University, Danny is an aspiring actor, writer and director. Last seen performing at the Airport Playhouse as Tybalt in Romeo and Juliet, other productions include What we Understood, Once in a Lifetime, Our Lady of 12st Street and Macbeth. A member of The Winter Theater Company, a group that writes, directs and produces their own work, Danny would like to thank his family, Krystal, the cast, and all that support him in his goal of world domination. One Love to Pac.
Nic Heppe (Gregor Samsa understudy)
Marci Koltonuk (Ms. Fire Ant, kid, flute) just completed an acting internship and showcase at the Looking Glass Theatre. She is so excited to once again be working with such a talented and passionate company, and she looks forward to many more productions here at LGT! Marci has been a film/theatre actress in NYC since graduating from DeSales University's Performing Arts program, where she earned a B.A. in Acting/Directing. She would like to thank Candace, the cast/crew, Mom & Dad, and the rest of her family and friends for all of their love and support.
Brooke Lucas (Mrs. Samsa, triangle) is pleased to be working with The Looking Glass Theatre. She was last seen on tour in The Shadow of My Son with O.O.T. S. productions. Brooke holds both her MFA (Temple) and BFA (A.C.U.) in acting. Brooke has appeared in The Weir, Small Tragedy, Ring Round the Moon, Dancing at Lughnasa, House of Bernarda Alba, Our Town, Spring’s Awakening, Cloud Nine, Crazy For You and My Fair Lady among others. Some of Brooke’s favorite roles include Lady Macbeth in Macbeth at the Abilene Shakespeare Festival, as well as covering the title role in the Wilma Theatre’s production of Dirty Blonde directed by Ethan McSweeny.
Pauline Miller (Spider Woman, kid, flute) is happy to make her Looking Glass Theatre debut in Bug Boy Blues. Other favorite Off-Off Broadway roles include Hermia in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (S.I.S.T.) and Trixie in The Greatest “B” Movie Ever Told (FringeNYC). She has appeared on TV in Comedy Central’s “Strangers With Candy,” “The Forensic Files,” and “Sex & the City.” Pauline studied acting at The Neighborhood Playhouse and Stetson Studios in NYC and has a degree in Music Education from The College of NJ. She thanks Candace and the cast & crew of Bug Boy Blues for welcoming her to the Looking Glass.
Julie Nelson (Grasshopper Girl, kid, flute) was the Winter Internship supervisor at the Looking Glass. She has performed on the Looking Glass stage in Winter 2006 Forum as Philinette in The Misanthrope by Moliere. She has previously trained with The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey and the Aquila Theatre. In 2005 she graduated from Drew University with a B.A. in theatre minoring in psychology. Some favorite past credits include Romaine in The Laramie Project, Mrs. Fairfax in Jane Eyre the Musical, Nellie in Margaret Hunt's Bread and Williams in Henry V. She would like to thank LGT for all the wonderful opportunities and her family friends and Kyle for all of their wonderful support.
Krystal Osbourne (Principle Penny Puff, Firefly, Bongos, AD/SM) originally from Lowell, MA. Yes, that’s the same hometown of Ed McMahon. Please bridle your jealousy when you see her, it makes her nervous. After graduating with a BFA from Adelphi University, she has treaded a line between her passions for acting and directing. Some of her directing credits include Vanishing Act, Our Lady of 121st Street and Decaffienated Love (her adaptaion of Chekhov’s Three Sisters) which she won a director’s award from KCACTF. Acting credits include Marty in Grease and Mortimer from EdWARd2 (Irene Ryan nominee). She is enthralled to work with this group of talented people. Much love and thanks to Candace whom is a huge inspiration even though she loves Taylor Hicks.
Heather Siler (Butterfly Girl) is newcomer to the city and thrilled to be making her New York theatrical debut in Bug Boy Blues. Her favorite past roles include Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors and Princess Winnifred in Once Upon a Mattress. She would like to thank all her friends and family for their love and support.
Jeff Stevens* (Gregor Samsa) is making is Looking Glass Theatre debut in Bug Boy Blues. He performs regularly with his improv/sketch group, New Format Improvisation. Recently, Jeff performed as Peter in the national tour of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. He can be seen in the feature film, Annapolis, as Jake’s Friend. He is pleased to be working with such a fun, talented cast and an excellent director. He would especially like to thank Actors’ Equity Association for awarding the opportunity to perform in Bug Boy Blues.
Erin Sullivan (Greta Samsa, violin) is excited to be performing in her first production at The Looking Glass Theatre. She was last seen in a performance piece of Pablo Neruda’s poems at the Gene Frankel Theatre and has previously acted at The Big Little Theatre, Columbia University, TSI/Playtime Series, and ARTGroup. Regional credits include The Best Man with the Potomac Theatre Project. She is a graduate of Middlebury College where she studied theatre and has also trained as an actor at Studio 5 and The Actors Center in New York City and in Bali, Indonesia.
CREW
Candace O'Neil Cihocki (Director, Choreographer) graduated from Adelphi University in 2001 with a BFA in Performing Arts, where she studied acting, dance and technical theatre. She also attended The New School Parsons from 2004-2005 and studied design. She has directed multiple productions at Looking Glass, including Helix 999, an adaptation of Medea in the Looking Glass Spring 2006 Forum and other Writer/Director Forums. Ms. O’Neil Cihocki is also creating a dance/theatre piece that explores insomnia and other psychological disorders. Other recent credits include the set design for InterCATaction/Children’s Adaptive Theater Fox Knocks Play, sound design for Helix 999, Medea, Word and Ladders, Lucina Natalus Procrastinatio (Looking Glass Theatre), and Aggravation (TSI). She also formed an Improv group and dabbles in costume design, poetry and free-lance photography.
Caroline Lakin (Assistant Director/Stage Manager, Firefly understudy, tambourine) is excited to be joining Looking Glass Theatre with Bug Boy Blues. Past directing credits include Great Notch… or the Town that Knew No Fear (Connelly Theatre); Medea by Wasserstein & Durang and How I Learned to Drive (Hangar Lab); Nina in the Morning (Marymount Manhattan); and the original productions of Cake, Natural Disasters, and Many Miles to Go (Marymount Manhattan). She also has assisted productions of Of Mice and Men, The Overcoat, Cinderella, and Haarlem/Berlin. She holds a BA in directing from Marymount Manhattan College. Thanks to Chris, Candace, and the cast and crew.
Krystal Osbourne (Assistant Director/Stage Manager, Principle Penny Puff, Firefly, Bongos) originally from Lowell, MA. Yes, that’s the same hometown of Ed McMahon. Please bridle your jealousy when you see her, it makes her nervous. After graduating with a BFA from Adelphi University, she has treaded a line between her passions for acting and directing. Some of her directing credits include Vanishing Act, Our Lady of 121st Street and Decaffienated Love (her adaptaion of Chekhov’s Three Sisters) which she won a director’s award from KCACTF. Acting credits include Marty in Grease and Mortimer from EdWARd2 (Irene Ryan nominee). She is enthralled to work with this group of talented people. Much love and thanks to Candace whom is a huge inspiration even though she loves Taylor Hicks.
Carolyn Mraz (Scenic Designer) -- New York credits include scenic designs of Serenading Louie (Stella Adler Studios), Stone Cold Dead Serious (Clurman Theater), The Havel Festival (the Ohio Theater), An Evening with the Family (The Brick), and Avalon (Looking Glass Theatre). Previously, she designed the touring children’s show Strange Waves, produced by the Berkshire Theatre Festival. Other scenic credits include various mainstage and student productions at Oberlin College, such as Dancing at Lughnasa, Tales From Ovid, The Vagina Monologues, The Black Monk, and The Man Outside. She is currently designing, painting, and assisting throughout the city.
Ryan Metzler (Lighting Designer) is the Lighting Designer in Residence at the Looking Glass Theatre, where he designs the semi-annual Writer/Director Forums. Productions in New York include: Copito, Sex and Sealing Wax, and The Quiet Model (Midtown Festival); Chess (NY Fringe); Spring’s Awakening, Helix 999, Baal and Bug Boy Blues (Looking Glass Theatre); The End of Civilization (Locus Theatre Company); Eight Ways to Meet your Neighbor and Soccer Moms from Hell (The Theatre Studio, Inc.); Stone Cold Dead Serious (Small Pond Entertainment).
David Withrow (Costume Designer) -- Design credits include; Bordertown and Love is Good (RTC); Marisol (Dreamscape Theatre Company); The Book of the Dun Cow (PTC); Trojan Women 2.0 and The Uncertainty Principle (Milkcan); Animal Farm (Synapse Tour); The Miss Education of Jenna Bush (2005 Fringe); Hamlet (ttw); Twelfth Night (The Vital) and Hedwig and the Angry Inch (Producer’s Club). Assistant credits: The Wedding Singer; The Threepenny Opera and The Apple Tree (both with Roundabout); King Arthur (ENO), The Pursuit of Persephone and Iron Curtain (PTC); and King Lear (The Public Theatre starring Kevin Kline). He is currently working on Two Gentlemen of Verona at the Old Globe in San Diego.
Andrew Hogan (Music Director, guitar) Andrew Hogan is a former Century Media recording artist. This is his first time working in theater. Andrew is proud to be on board for Bug Boy Blues.
Kyle Haggerty (Musician, guitar) makes his fourth appearance at The Looking Glass Theatre, with recent roles in Bertolt Brecht’s Baal and The Slash, as part of the Winter 2006 Forum. This is Kyle's first appearance playing guitar and writing music for a show. Kyle is an actor/writer who works mostly as an actor in film and theater, rather than as a musician. He thanks to Candace for letting him be a part of the show. Thank you to the hilarious cast, and all their hard work. To contact or for more information on Kyle, visit www.missionlaunch.net.
