By Retta Blaney Mario Sprouse is an essential worker in New York City. Although he hasn’t had a day off since the pandemic struck in mid-March, he is full of energy. His focus is to heal. The work that Sprouse sees as essential is that of an artist. In his case, a composer, musician, and musical director. What he is passionate about healing is the commonly held idea that … [Read more...] about Artists Remain Essential, Says Mario Sprouse
theater
Bearing Witness to These Things: Actor Performs Gospel of John
By Retta Blaney When actor Ken Jennings was going through a rough patch two years ago, he began to memorize St. John's gospel as a way to take his mind off of his troubles. He saw this exercise as a form of prayer and a way to follow the guidance of the Jesuits who taught him at St. Peter's Prep and St. Peter's College in Jersey City, New Jersey. They had said, "No matter … [Read more...] about Bearing Witness to These Things: Actor Performs Gospel of John
A World of Grays
By Retta Blaney Kingfishers Catch Fire is a story about such extreme evil and amazing redemption that if it weren’t based on facts it might be hard to believe. Robin Glendinning’s play, which had its world premiere this fall at Off-Broadway’s Irish Repertory Theatre, portrays the soul-saving relationship that developed between two World War II adversaries in the years … [Read more...] about A World of Grays
The Art of Reconciliation
The Parish of Calvary–St. George’s has welcomed a theater company called Sea Dog, which seeks to “tell stories of alienation and reconciliation.” Plays are staged in the church, and Sea Dog hosts meals with wine for the cast, crew, and audience afterward. Sea Dog’s first production, Danny and the Deep Blue Sea, won Outstanding Revival of a Play at the 2018 New York … [Read more...] about The Art of Reconciliation
‘This Is My Life’
A play that depicts Lynda Blackmon Lowery’s heroism as a teenager seeks to inspire a new generation. By Retta Blaney Six young people walk on the stage of the Riverside Theatre in New York singing “Woke Up this Morning (with My Mind Set on Freedom).” At the end, one girl steps forward to address the audience. “By the time I was 15, I had been in jail nine times,” she says. … [Read more...] about ‘This Is My Life’