By Carla Zanoni
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
INWOOD — Nearly one year after hunting for space to perform homegrown original theater in the neighborhood, the UpTheater plans to debut its play "All the Best Ingredients" at an Inwood auditorium beginning Friday.
James Bosley, artistic director for the theater group, said he is "thrilled and anxious" to share the play, which he described as a "dramatic terrorist prison comedy," with the community. The play runs through May 15.
"It is strange when the play you've been writing for years, and the production of it for which a team has rehearsed and toiled and produced - suddenly it is up and walking around and looking better than we ever imagined," he said of the play he wrote that is being directed by Rik Walter.
Last year Bosley and his daughter went around town taping signs to vacant storefront windows with his daughter hoping to find a space to put on live theater in Northern Manhattan. They decided last month to hold their performances at the CUNY In The Heights/Good Shepherd Reception Hall at 108 Cooper Street. The church-owned facility alternates between use as classroom space and performance space.
Although Bosley and his creative team have staged readings at several uptown locations, this week’s performances will be the first fully lit, staged and acted theater for the group.
"Our designers have done a marvelous job creating a complete and unique environment," Bosley said, "so as soon as the audience walks in they know they are in for something different."
The play received funding from the Manhattan Community Arts Fund, a program of the city's Department of Cultural Affairs and the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council.
UpTheater performance of "All the Best Ingredients" debuts Friday, May 6 at 8 p.m, with repeat performances Saturday, May 7, at 8 p.m.; Sunday, May 8, at 3 p.m.; Thursday, May 12, at 8 p.m.; Friday, May 13, at 8 p.m.; Saturday, May 14, at 3 p.m.; and Sunday, May 15, at 3 p.m. It's located at CUNY In The Heights/Good Shepherd Reception Hall, 108 Cooper Street.
Suggested donation $18, $10 for students.
