Artists Without Walls Showcase at The Cell Theatre

"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

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' 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.

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?

"UNBRIDLED SPIRIT and JOY" at AWOW's LATEST SHOWCASE

“I am always so impressed by the level of talent I witness at any Artist Without Walls’ event. It is rare to witness a room filled with that kind of unbridled spirit, charisma and joy even in NYC. An incredible ensemble of artists are represented at an AWoW showcase!” Erin Layton, actress/playwright

Gregory Harrington began the evening with a stirring performance of the Prelude from the Cello Suite by J.S. Bach, which he arranged for violin and is on his upcoming CD – Bach: Transcriptions and Variations on CDBaby. Greg was then joined by Leon Boykins on double bass and for a virtuosic performance of U2’s “With or Without You. “Had a great time and really loved the space,” Greg added.

DJ Sharp took us back to Tennessee Williams’ days at New York City’s historic Elysee Hotel with a scene from his one man show, “Tennessee Williams.” Here’s what an audience member said, “Tonight I saw D J Sharp knock it out of the park–no, much farther than that. He knocked it out beyond the parking lot, past the interstate and well into the corn fields of Nebraska. A performance to be seen.” I’m flattered,” DJ said. “Thanks again to Artists Without Walls for creating a evening with great performers and a wonderful audience!”

**Devon McCarthy, Terry McCarthy and Andy Sandel**

Terry McCarthy tore into the room with four of his brashly melodic original songs. In honor of his wife’s first attendance at an AWoW Showcase, he opened with “Queen of the World” a tune recounting the second time they met and marking the thirty years they’ve been together. He then performed “And a Little Girl Closes Her Eyes” an anti-war song in the Celtic folk tradition. Next was a rocking version of “Down For The Day” a tribute to the people of the Rockaways who are rebuilding their lives after the devastation of Hurricane Sandy. He closed with a fan favorite “Sorrow Salsa,” a Tejano flavored tune of triumph over depression. Terry was joined by the brilliant guitarisist, his nephew Devon McCarthy who wowed the audience with his talent and a special guest, Andy Sandel, who proved why he is known as the “Master of the Squeezebox.” All of these songs and many more are available @ TerryMcCarthymusic.com as well as ITunes and Cdbaby.com

Irish playwright, director and actor, Don Creedon, presented his very funny short play “Divine Intervention.” In this charming, revelatory, two-hander, we meet Grainne, a woman with an extremely colorful past, who goes to Confession for the first time in thirty-one years. Maeve Price was both hilarious and touching as Grainne, a woman with a delightfully anarchic sense of what’s right. Don did a wonderful job as Father Divine, a priest caught between following his true heart’s desire and the dictates of the Catholic Church.

Singer/songwriter Robin Pahlman played three original songs “Miss Lonelyhearts,” which is the first single off his debut solo EP, out on Monkey Records click for video, “Man Overboard,” also on the EP and a previously unreleased song called “Rain Clouds”. Robin’s been moving around a great deal in the past few years–he’s lived in Seattle, WA; Helsinki, Finland; Vienna, Austria; and now New York City), and he tends to write songs about how places and memory define us, and what “home” really means. Musically, Robin owes a lot to the American folk/country/roots tradition, even though as he says, “A certain element of melancholy probably comes from my Finnish heritage, as Finnish music traditionally is very sad and minor-key. Click here for Robin’s Facebook band page.

Jim Hawkins has spent decades telling stories. On this night, Jim combined story and song–both American and Irish–to tell a folksy and witty tale of two young men–Jim and his friend Billy–coming of age in the early 1970s. Just like the seanchaís of old, Jim told the story, “Driving Across America with Billy Zuckerman” with a gentle, easy-going manner and warmth, which he says is his contribution to keeping this wonderful art-form alive and well.

For more information about Artists Without Walls contact info@artistswithoutwalls.com. AWoW’s next Showcase will be at The Cell Theatre, 338 W23rd St., December 23rd, 7pm.

All photos by Vera Hoar.

STELLAR LINEUP for ARTISTS WITHOUT WALLS' SHOWCASE at THE CELL, WED, OCT 22, 7pm

“Artists Without Walls allows the various artists to bring things they ‘make’ to The Cell, to share with others. Sharing my neon animations last night was a real honor. To have been able to offer the crowd a touch of fun and joy is the icing on the cake for an artist.” Jack Feldstein, animator and scriptwriter, after a recent AWoW Showcase.

And they’ll be more of the same on Wednesday, October 22nd, 7pm at The Cell Theatre, 338 W23rd Street, NYC.

Ron Vazzano is a writer and poet, and his monthly on line “Muse-Letter” (a mix of essays, reviews, poems, quotes, wordplay etc) just reached its tenth anniversary this month. Ron’s essays have been posted on the Artists Without Walls’ website and he’s also read his poetry on a number of occasions at Showcases over the past year. In a former life, he spent some years as an actor appearing in theatrical productions in New York City as well as on the road. Ron will be working in both capacities on Wednesday, doing a character monologue that he has adapted from an essay appearing on his website this month, entitled: “Ten Totems of Obsolescence in Passing.”

Laurie Lewis is a nationally and internationally acclaimed composer/producer/owner of Incommon Music, an original music production company, established in 1990. Incommon Music has produced hundred of scores and songs for film, commercials and multi media installations. Joining Laurie will be Liz Queler who is a touring and recording artist. Liz’s first theater piece ‘Still Will be

Heard’ was recently commissioned and produced by Montclair State University to rave reviews. AWoW is delighted to reunite Laurie and Liz – a songwriting and production team that began 25 years ago. They’ve developed a piece called “The Owl and the Pussycat” specifically for Wednesday’s performance.

World traveler, humanitarian and ceramic artist Sana Musasama will be joining us once again this Wednesday to discuss her efforts on behalf of abused young girls around the world and her work, which as she says, “Is about an experience that triggers an emotion, sometimes of a place or a time.” She then submerges herself with information that informs these ideas and concepts. “When I feel this overwhelming presence I poetically call my extra heart beat. I then pick up my clay and begin to build.” If you missed Sana when she visited us six months ago here’s another chance to meet this very compelling woman.

Singer/songwriter Warren Malone loves to sing, write songs and play guitar. “I love traditional folk music as much as I love a great pop song. The first record I ever put on was a Hank Williams’ record when I was four years old. As a kid I loved Elvis.” Joining Warren on the piano for some old time rock ‘n’roll will be his son Gibson Malone. If you haven’t heard these two play together you’re in for a treat

Richard Deane will be reading a scene from his novel-in-progress, “When Yesterday Comes.” At a reading earlier in the year Richard read a scene that poignantly explores the existential conflict between a cabdriver’s skittish trepidations and the allurement of his prurient desires as he drives two menacing street pimps uptown to Harlem on Christmas Day. We’re looking forward to another excellent passage from Richard’s work.

Singer/composer Dan Yurkofsky will present two songs from his recently released CD “Hoverhill. “Although he now resides in New York City, many of the songs on the record are inspired by life in Santa Fe, New Mexico where he lived for several years. He’ll be joined by two of the outstanding musicians that play on the album: cellist Noah Hoffeld and singer Melissa Stylianou.

Idan Morin, a guitarist who hails from Israel and studied at the Tel Aviv Conservatory of Music and more recently at the New School for Jazz and Contemporary music in NYC, grew up studying the giants of jazz and musicians from all over the world. His ability to communicate without words is cleary present in his music and Improvisation.

Hope to see you at The Cell this Wednesday.

ARTISTS WITHOUT WALLS' MEMBERS AROUND TOWN THIS MONTH

Martina Fiserova will perform a solo set of her originals at the Way Station, Brooklyn, on Monday Oct 20th at 11pm. Located at 683 Washington Ave (Btw Prospect and St Marks, Prospect Heights, Brooklyn 11238). No cover.

Tara O’Grady and her band will be swinging at Winnie’s Prohibition Lounge, Refinery Hotel, 63 W. 38 Street at 6th Ave. Tuesday, October 21, 7:30-10:30pm.

Artists Without Walls’ Showcase at The Cell Theatre on Wednesday, October 22nd, 7pm. Evening’s presenters include Ron Vazzano, Liz Queler and Laurie Lewis, Sana Musasama, Warren and Gibson Malone, Dan Yurkofsky, Richard Deane, Steve Silver and Idan Morim.

Susan Seliger’s Out by Ten, Thursday, Oct. 23, 2014: LOVE, LUST & LOSS,an evening of storytellers and musicians (AWOW members Deni Bonet and Honor Finnegan in Nov. and Dec.) in an intimate, salon-loft venue – with free wine & cheese, at 121 Ludlow Street (betw, Delancey y & Rivington) 7:30-9:30 PM.

The evening’s performers include Moth Slam-Champion Storytellers: Micaela Blei & Kate Greathead, Funny Singer/Songwriter Cassandra Kubinsky, Classical/Jazz Pianist Jeremy Jordan Click here for tickets: $20 at the door—$18 in advance, includes free wine and cheese

Honor Finnegan will be performing at the Common Ground Community Concerts, opening for Dan Bern, Saturday, October 25th, 2014 7:30 pm | Tickets $20 advance, $25 at the door. First Unitarian Society of Westchester, 25 Old Jackson Ave, Hastings on Hudson NY. Click here for tickets.

Ed McCann’s “Writers Read” celebrates the spoken word, showcasing short works of established and emerging writers, 2:00 PM on Sunday, October 26 at The Cell Theatre, 338 West 23rd Street St., NYC. Writers and guests mingle during a thirty-minute intermission with light refreshments.

Check out the lineup of writers and learn more about each writer by visiting their Writers Read home page. Seating is limited. Their first event in June quickly sold out; if you plan to join them for Dog Stories, you can order your tickets by clicking here .

Keepin' It Photorealistic — **Keepin’ It Photorealistic**

Brona Crehan invites all to a fundraiser, Keeping It Photorealistic, for her play – Pillow on the Stairs, October 28th, 6pm until whatever. Ryan’s Daughter, 85th St. Between First and Second Ave. Barry Finnegan, a phenomenal artist has offered to draw at Brona’s event. He doesn’t tell anyone who he is drawing but rather lets it unfold during the evening. It’ll be a lot of fun and Brona is hoping it will generate some funding for her spring production!

Proceeds to benefit the spring 2015 production of the original play Pillow on the Stairs by Brona Crehan. Meet the writer, the cast, the artist and win fabulous raffle prizes too! An evening of fun and cocktails. $25.00 per person

“How to Build a Fire” – Brooklyn Edition. Guest curated and hosted by Martin Kleinman , Thursday, October 30 at 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Open Source Gallery – 306 17th Street, Park Slope, NY 11215 This month’s storytellers include:

Author/actor Mellini Kantayya , writer/actor Marian Fontana, Susan Kellman – mob lawyer and Daniel Kleinman – social media guru

AWoW MEMBERS in the NEWS

Artists Without Walls’ members in this week’s edition of the Irish Echo.

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BRILLIANT PERFORMANCES at ARTISTS WITHOUT WALLS' SHOWCASE 9/23/2014

**Emiko, Steve Murphy, Deni Bonet, Bruno Esrublisky**

“I wanted to thank you so very, very much for having me perform at your showcase. I had a wonderful time meeting everyone and I must say, I’m beyond elated to know that your organization and showcase exists. It’s such a pleasure to see live music and art alive and well in New York — and being so well received in such a right, proper venue. As a touring artist in the pop world (although I come from a classical concert background), I experience all different sorts of venues on a regular basis, but by far, the showcase at the Cell, totally took the cake! So thank you!” Emiko

Joseph Goodrich opened the evening with a powerful reading from S. N. Behrman’s The Worcester Account. He captured all the finely-shaded emotions of Behrman’s prose and brought to vivid life the story of a boy’s intimations of mortality.

Fiery redhead Deni Bonet was joined by her full band of Steve Murphy on guitar, Bruno Esrubilsky on cajon, and Emiko on keyboard. Deni premiered two very exciting songs from her upcoming instrumental CD, which the audience adored. Then she sang an energetic cover of the Cameo hit “Word Up.” She wrapped up her showcase joined onstage by multi-platinum Irish recording star Mundy (who had popped in for a visit) on his international hit “Galway Girl.” A brilliant, lively segue into the intermission.

Playwright/performer, Erin Layton performed a riveting scene from her award winning, multi-character one woman play, MAGDALEN, portraying the most extreme pairing of her eight characters – a severe nun and a loud prostitute. Erin transitioned between her characters with such ease that is was almost like witnessing two separate actors onstage.

Ashley Bell wowed everyone once again with a beautiful performance of a rarely heard version of “Ave Maria” written by the 16th century Italian composer Caccini. Ashley shifted to musical theatre and provided a thrilling rendition of “How Could I ever Know?” from the Secret Garden.

Singer Songwriter Terry McCarthy performed three songs from his latest release The Charm. With the help of Devon McCarthy on lead guitar, Terry sang “Gotham Ghosts” “Sorrow Salsa” and “Just Today”. Click here for Terry’s music

Artists Without Walls next Showcase will be on Wednesday, Oct 22nd, 7pm, at The Cell Theatre, 338 W23rd St.

Photos by Vera Hoar and Mitch Traphagen