AJ Arts & Entertainment

November 11, 2009

ETC hosts world premiere

By Don McGlynn dmcglynn@theabingtonjournal.com
Reporter / Photographer

SCRANTON - The Electric Theatre Company (ETC) in downtown Scranton offers theatergoers in the area the opportunity to view a world premiere.

The ETC will host the first staging of “Rosa Loses Her Face,” a co-production between the ETC and Queens Theatre in the Park, beginning Wednesday, Nov. 11.

The cast is currently rehearsing the play at the ETC for its November run before the play moves to the Queens Theatre in Flushing Meadows, N.Y., in December. This is the second partnership between the two theaters that are both interested in staging and showcasing new, original work in their area.

“About a year ago, I heard they were looking for a production partner to put on ‘Men of Mahjong,’ written by Richard Atkins,” said ETC producer David Zarko. “So we worked together to put it on, and it worked out really well so we decided to give it another go.”

The two theaters are already discussing possible productions for next year.

Zarko said the theaters are hoping that by beginning discussions on next year’s production now, they will have an opportunity to get a jump on the selection process.

The theaters have an agreement that any production they do together must be a world premiere that is available and in which both are interested.

Finding a play this year that met all these criteria proved to be a challenge until April, when Jeff Rosenstock of Queen’s Theater sent a copy of “Rosa Loses Her Face,” written by Kitty Chen to Zarko.

The comedic play is the story of Rosa, a Chinese immigrant mother and her Americanized daughter, Amy, who don’t quite see eye to eye.

Chen said the play was partially inspired by her relationship with her own mother, and that the subject matter is something that everyone can relate to.

“Anyone who has a mother understands this play,” said Chen.

“We’ve done a few readings and I always have people coming up to me saying, ‘Oh, that’s me and my mother,’ men and women.”

Chen said she has been to a few dress rehearsals and was impressed with the show. She added that she is looking forward to watching the play on Friday with an audience. “The audience makes the play. There really is no play without the audience.”

What: The world premiere of “Rosa Loses Her Face,”

Where: The Electric Theatre Company, located at 326 Spruce St., Scranton,

When: Wednesday, Nov. 11, to Sunday, Nov. 22. Wednesday and Thursday shows begin at 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m.

Cost: Wednesday, Nov. 11, is “Pay-What-You-Can” and Thursday is Cheaper-Than-A- Movie. All tickets are $7 and all other performances tickets are $20 general, $15 seniors and $7 students.

Info: 570.558.1515 or visit www.electrictheatre.org.

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