World Premiere of ‘The New Americans’ by Cindy Lou Johnson

Vassar and New York Stage and Film are pleased to announce the world premiere workshop presentation of "The New Americans," written by Cindy Lou Johnson and directed by Sheryl Kaller. This production will run Friday, August 1, through Sunday, August 3, at the Susan Stein Shiva Theater on the Vassar campus.

Audiences will be transported to the 1840's California gold rush in Cindy Lou Johnson's compelling new drama about optimism and greed. Cultures collide as an international stampede of men and women set out to seek their fortune and challenge their destiny. A rich and colorful new work, The New Americans features a multi-ethnic cast, world music, and vibrant choreography.

The New Americans was written by acclaimed playwright Cindy Lou Johnson, best known for her play Brilliant Traces, which premiered in Paris this past spring. Other credits include Under Cover of Darkness, The Years, Blessé, and The Person I Once Was. Johnson also contributed The Promise and R&R as part of HBO's critically celebrated "Vietnam Stories."

Sheryl Kaller previously directed The Hurdy Gurdy Man (2001) and Adrift in Macao (2002) for the Powerhouse Theater. She has also directed at The York, The Manhattan Theater Club, and National Theater for the Deaf.

The cast of professional actors will be complemented by seven apprentices from Powerhouse Theater's apprentice training program. This unique collaboration unites emerging actors and established artists for an epic workshop production.

The New Americans will be performed August 1 and 2 at 8pm and August 3 at 2pm and 7pm. Tickets are $18 and may be purchased through the Powerhouse Box Office in person or by phone, at either (845) 437-7235 or (845) 437-5599.

Since 1985, Vassar and New York Stage and Film's Powerhouse Summer Theater Season has produced remarkable works of theater and trained an entire generation of young artists through the apprentice-training program. For the past 19 years, Powerhouse has made Poughkeepsie a theater destination for thousands.

For further information, please contact Beth Fargis-Lancaster, executive producer of Powerhouse Summer Theater Program, at (845) 437-5902.

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations or information on accessibility should contact Campus Activities Office at (845) 437-5370. Without sufficient notice, appropriate space and/or assistance may not be available.

Vassar College is a highly selective, coeducational, independent, residential liberal arts college founded in 1861.

This article was posted on Friday, August 1st, 2003.