Ithaca, NY - The Hangar Theatre will present an original production, Women of Woodstock, created by cast member Melissa Hammans, September 25 and 26. Directed by Amy Jones, this world-premiere is being co-produced by the Hangar and Soul Picnic Productions. Join the cast, crew, and Hangar staff for this two-night limited engagement on September 25 and 26 at 8pm at the Hangar Theatre located at 801 Taughannock Blvd, Ithaca, NY 14850 in Cass Park.
When the winds of change were ripping through the turbulent 1960's, half of a million people gathered for three days of peace, camaraderie, and music at the influential festival, Woodstock. Among Woodstock's performers were four women, Joan Baez, Melanie, Grace Slick, and Janis Joplin. These evocative artists brought with them songs of love, heartache, and social injustice that were fuel to a movement that transformed a generation. These enduring themes can be seen again in a cabaret-style performance featuring song, poetry, and dialogue. To enhance the theatrical experience, there are options for seating at cabaret tables on the stage and in the boxes.
Melissa Hammans, Shaleah Adkisson, and Maddy Wyatt are returning to the Hangar stage after previously having been seen in the 2013 and 2014 productions of Back to the Garden, a musical tribute to Carole King, Joni Mitchell, and Laura Nyro. This year, Lori Eure will be joining the trio for another spectacular evening of music. These women have been featured in on and off Broadway productions, as well as in numerous regional productions and tours. Accompanying them is an equally accomplished orchestra, with members that have played at locations such as Carnegie Hall, alongside artists like Leonard Bernstein and Dizzy Gillespie.
Tickets start at $18 and can be purchased online at www.HangarTheatre.org, by phone at (607) 273-ARTS (2787), or in person at the Hangar Theatre Business Office in Center Ithaca on the Ithaca Commons (Monday-Friday between 10 AM and 5 PM).
Hangar Theatre gratefully acknowledges 2015 Partner in Flight sponsorship from CFCU Community Credit Union and Cayuga Radio Group, and CabarETC series sponsor C.S.P. Management. The Hangar Theatreis dedicated to providing exceptional theatre experiences of high professional quality to enrich, enlighten, educate, and entertain the diverse audience in the Finger Lakes region and beyond. Strong educational and training programs are central parts of our commitment to the local and national artistic communities. Visit our website at www.HangarTheatre.org
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BIOS
Melissa Hammans (creator of WOMEN OF WOODSTOCK, vocals.) New York: BACK TO THE GARDEN (54 Below, BB KINGS), LOVESICK OR THINGS THAT DON'T HAPPEN (59E59), PAPER CRANES (Access), DAVENPORT 10 Minute Play Festival (Davenport Theatricals.) Regional: COMPANY, NUNSENSE, THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES, SMOKEY JOE'S CAFÉ, GREASE, AND THE WORLD GOES 'ROUND, SHOUT! THE MOD MUSICAL, THE BREAKUP NOTEBOOK (Peter Schneider Productions), and MARRY HARRY (New York Stage and Film.) BACK TO THE GARDEN: BB King's, 54 Below-NYC, Buskirk-Chumley Theatre-IN, Hangar Theatre-Ithaca, NY, World Wide Plaza-NYC, Joe's Pub-NYC. Concerts: Les Poisson Rouge, Galapagos Art Space, Canal Room, Bristol Riverside Theatre, and The Laurie Beechman Theatre. Melissa serves as the Nashville Liaison/Committee Chair for Actors Equity, proud member of Actor's Equity, and Indiana University graduate/Board Member IUAA-Nashville Chapter. Melissa is the managing director of Soul Picnic Productions and represented as an actor by Avalon Artists Group. For more information:www.melissahammans.com.
Shaleah Adkisson (vocals) Credits: Broadway/Nat'l Tour: HAIR; Off-Broadway: RENT; Regional:AVENUE Q, AIN'T MISBEHAVIN', CHILDREN OF EDEN, GREASE & BEEHIVE: THE 60S MUSICAL.
Maddy Wyatt (vocals, guitar) is a Brooklyn-based singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist. She tours the country both as a solo artist and with her indie folk band WYATT, alongside her two brothers Paul and Alex. WYATT recently made their Brooklyn Academy of Music debut, and are currently working on a new album set to release this fall. Their debut EP is available on iTunes, Spotify, and at www.bandofwyatt.com.
Lori Eure (vocals, guitar, trumpet, keys) is originally from North Carolina, and currently lives in Brooklyn, NY. Lori is thrilled to be a part of WOMEN OF WOODSTOCK! Theatre credits include: Broadway: Cabaret (at the infamous Studio 54) Sally Bowles/Kit Kat Girl. National tour: Cabaret. Regional Theatre: Ring of Fire,The Buddy Holly Story, Wonderland, We Will Rock You (Las Vegas Cast), Beehive at The Kennedy Center, Annie, and Guys-n-Dolls. TV credits include: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Spin City. Lori gives much thanks and love to her family and friends. "Life and love go on... Let the music play!"
Mark your calendar for these fabulous events!
September 25 & 26 - Women of Woodstock
October 6 - Dan Smalls Presents: Nick Lowe
October 24 - Joe Crookston's October Jubilee
October 25 - Acting Out on the Hangar Stage Annual FUNdraiser
November 6, 7, 8 - Starry Night Theatre Presents: Vincent
November 12, Dan Smalls Presents: Rhiannon Giddens
November 14 - Cayuga Radio Group presents comedian Dan Viola
November 17 - Dan Smalls Presents: Colin Hay
December 5 - Ithaca Community Orchestra Winter Concert
December 11 & 12 - Burns Sisters Home for the Holidays Concert
