Page 18 - The Islander - December '21

Page 18, The Islander

thEatrE happENiNgs

Palm Beach Dramaworks Happenings

The World Premiere Of Michael McKeever’s The People Downstairs
Opens Palm Beach Dramaworks’ 2021/22 Season On Dec. 3

Palm Beach Dramaworks all guests can, instead, present documentation of a negative Palm Beach Dramaworks
(PBD), unable to perform COVID-19 PCR test result conducted within 72 hours prior to is a professional, nonprofit
onstage for audiences for 21 the performance, or a negative COVID-19 antigen test result theatre company founded in
months due to the pandemic, conducted within 24 hours prior to the scheduled performance 2000 and located in the heart
begins its season of renewal start time. Matching photo identification is required for everyone of downtown West Palm
on Dec. 3, 8 p.m., with the 18 years of age and older. Beach. Each season, the
world premiere of Michael These protocols are subject to change. As the situation award-winning company
McKeever’s The People evolves, PBD will re-evaluate and share any updates on its produces five mainstage
Downstairs, a commissioned website at palmbeachdramaworks.org and via email. shows and offers a wide
play that tells the story of The People Downstairs is the first of two world premieres to variety of programs for
the courageous souls who be produced by PBD during the 2021/22 season; Bruce Graham’s students at the theatre,
hid Anne Frank and seven The Duration will debut on Feb. 18. Developing new work is now in schools, and online.
others during the Holocaust. an essential part of the company’s profile, and this will be PBD’s Committed to fostering the future of theatre, PBD has
Performances continue fifth consecutive season featuring at least one world premiere. become a hub for playwrights in Florida and around the
through Dec. 19, with specially The People Downstairs was commissioned by PBD, and both country to nurture their work through initiatives including
priced previews on Dec. 1 and 2, 7:30 p.m. Producing Artistic plays were nurtured in The Dramaworkshop, the company’s lab Drama (in the) works and the annual New Year/New Plays
Director William Hayes directs. for developing new plays. The People Downstairs received its Festival. PBD is a member of Theatre Communications
In 1942, as Jewish residents of Nazi-occupied Amsterdam first public reading in the 2020 New Year/New Plays Festival, Group, Florida Professional Theatres Association, and
were sent to concentration camps or murdered in the streets, and a revised script was given a virtual reading in June of that the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County. See www.
Miep and Jan Gies, Victor Kugler, and Johannes Kleiman risked year following two, three-day workshops. palmbeachdramaworks.org.
everything to save their colleagues Otto Frank and Hermann Michael McKeever has written 33 full-length plays that Evening performances are Wednesday and Thursday at
van Pels, the men’s families, and a family friend, from certain have been produced at theatres around the world, including 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., and select Sundays
death. For 761 days, Anne Frank shared her observations and Comödie Dresden (Dresden), Och-Teatr (Warsaw), and Theater at 7 p.m. Matinee performances are on Wednesday, Saturday,
innermost thoughts on what life was like for eight people whose in der Josefstadt, Kammerspiele (Vienna). His play Daniel’s and Sunday at 2 p.m. Post-performance discussions follow
world was reduced to a few concealed, cramped rooms in the Husband enjoyed a sold-out, extended three-month run in Los Wednesday matinee and Sunday evening performances.
building where her father worked. But what of the people who Angeles at the Fountain Theatre, and ran Off-Broadway at the Individual tickets are $79, with specially priced preview
hid them, who provided safety and sustenance until the awful Westside Theatre following successful runs at Penguin Rep and tickets at $59 and opening night tickets at $94. Student tickets
moment when authorities, either by a tip from an informer or Primary Stages, where it was nominated for an Off-Broadway are available for $15, and Pay Your Age tickets are available
simply by chance, discovered the secret annex? The People Alliance Award for Best New Work. McKeever has won for those 18 to 40. Tickets for educators are half price with
Downstairs explores the complex challenges faced by these numerous Carbonell and Silver Palm Awards, and is the proud proper identification (other restrictions apply). Group rates
brave individuals on their journey of rebellious morality during recipient of the prestigious George Abbott Award for outstanding for 20 or more and subscription packages for four or five
the horrors of the Holocaust. artistic achievement. His work has been nominated four times plays are also available. Tickets can be purchased through
“We’re living through such turbulent times,” said Hayes. for the Steinberg/American Theatre Critics Association New the box office, in person or by phone, (561) 514-4042, Ext.
“Incidents of anti-Semitism have increased for the past several Play Award. He is also an award-winning actor and designer. 2, and online 24 hours a day at palmbeachdramaworks.org.
years, as has a rise in hate crimes toward many ethnic groups McKeever and his husband, Stuart Meltzer, are cofounders The Don and Ann Brown Theatre is located in the heart
and people of color, which makes The People Downstairs all too of Zoetic Stage, a Miami-based theatre company dedicated to of downtown West Palm Beach, at 201 Clematis Street. For
timely. It’s alarming to see people wearing yellow stars and hear developing new work. He is a member of Actors’ Equity and ticket information contact the box office at (561) 514-4042,
them draw a comparison between mask mandates and Nazism, or the Dramatists Guild. See michaelmckeeverplays.com. or visit www.palmbeachdramaworks.org.
to see people beaten because of the color of their skin. The play
serves as an important reminder for all of us to protect those who
are being unfairly persecuted in our country. We’re a nation built
on immigration, a country that should take pride in its diversity. fuNdraisiNg EvENt
As it says on the plaque in the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty:
‘Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning
to breathe free.’”
Linser, Dennis Creaghan, Tom Wahl, McKeever, Matthew W. RDK Melanoma Foundation’s 22nd

The People Downstairs features Amy Miller Brennan, Bruce
Korinko, and John Campagnuolo. Scenic design is by Michael
Amico, costume design is by Brian O’Keefe, lighting design is Annual Luncheon And Fashion Show
by Kirk Bookman, and sound design is by Roger Arnold.
All guests at the theatre are required to wear suitable masks
that completely cover the nose, mouth, and under the chin for Will Feature Designer J. Mendel
their entire visit. Anyone who does not comply will be escorted
out of the theatre. PBD will also require documentation (printed
or digital): Fully vaccinated guests have the option of voluntarily The Richard David Kann (RDK) Melanoma Foundation beaches, schools,
presenting documentation showing full vaccination status. will host the 22nd Annual Luncheon and Fashion Show and outdoor areas,
Full vaccination is defined as the completion of the final dose at The Breakers, Palm Beach on Monday, Jan. 24, 2022. where sun exposure
at least 14 days prior to the performance date. Alternatively, One of the most popular fashion events and luncheons is excessive. The
on the island, the RDK Melanoma Foundation’s Annual unique Students
Luncheon and Fashion Show will begin at 10:30 a.m. Against Melanoma
featuring a world-class silent auction. At noon, guests will (SAM) clubs in
be treated to a gourmet luncheon and stunning runway middle and high
fashion show featuring designer J. Mendel. school, and the
Nancy Hart will serve as chairwoman and Suzanne SunSmart America™
Neidland is honorary chairwoman. Cochairwomen curricula, programs, Nancy Hart, John Couris and
include: Ileene Fisher, Connie Frankino, Marianne Gold, and resources, have Suzanne Neidland
and Ari Rifkin. The 2022 Diamond Sponsor is Tampa educated hundreds Photo by Capehart
General Hospital (TGH) and John Couris, president and of thousands of
CEO of Tampa General Hospital will attend the event and students, families, and communities on sun safety behaviors
present for the hospital. and practices for prevention and early detection of skin
All proceeds benefit the foundation’s mission to cancer. Today RDK and Hall of Fame baseball player,
save lives through education about the prevention and Mike Schmidt have launched The Mike Schmidt Sun Smart
Singer Island Liquor Booth early detection of skin cancer, especially melanoma, its USA program. This grassroots program, launched in
(561) 842-4318 deadliest form. Philadelphia in 2017, strives to make a positive impact
Tickets are $425 each. To learn more or purchase tickets by protecting the public at beaches, parks, and stadiums
visit melanomaluncheon.com or call (561) 655-9655. nationwide with the placement of sunscreen dispensers
Liquor • Beer • Wine • Cigars
About Richard David Kann Melanoma (RDK) to inspire people to implement lifelong habits for the
We are located directly on singer island! Foundation prevention of skin cancer. Deborah Kann Schwarzberg is
The foundation has been working locally and nationally founder and president of the RDK Melanoma Foundation.
1241 Blue Heron Blvd. for over 26 years to save lives by changing behaviors through To learn more about RDK Melanoma Foundation, and
riviera Beach education to increase awareness on sun safety prevention ways to donate and/or get involved, please visit www.
Ask About Delivery and early detection of melanoma. Their newest initiative melanomafoundation.com or call (561) 655-9655.
involves the distribution of sunscreen dispensers in parks,