hangar 2013The Hangar Theatre announced this week the shows for its upcoming cutting edge Wedge Series. These four productions will be under the direction of the Hangar Drama League Directing Fellows, and will feature members of the Hangar Theatre Lab Company. Each year the Hangar offers its patrons and all community members free admission to the Wedge Series. These shows will take place at The Cherry Artspace, 102 Cherry St, Ithaca, NY 14850. Performances are at 6PM and 8PM on June 22 and 23, and July 6, 7, 13, 14, 27, and 28. Wedge performances are open to all ages; however, they may contain mature language and situations not suitable for children.

The Wedge Series will open with The Room, by Harold Pinter, directed by Michael Alvarez. This is the Nobel Prize-winning British playwright's first play and sets the foundation for his future work. Running from a mysterious past, Rose sequesters herself from the world attempting to find solace within her constructed reality; yet, she discovers she cannot hide herself from the demons that lurk within the shadows of her mind. The Room will be performed June 22 and 23 at 6PMand 8PM.

Next is The Messenger by Olivia Dufault, directed by Tom Costello. Tom, an Ithaca native, is excited to return to the Hangar in this fellowship capacity, "I grew up attending and performing in plays at the Hangar Theatre, and am thrilled to have an opportunity to give back to the Ithaca community". The Messenger is the bearer of bad news. To everyone. And she is growing tired of it. When she resists her duties and begins changing the message, she must face the fate that awaits her. The Messenger will be performed July 6 and 7 at 6PM and 8PM.

The Danube by María Irene Fornés and directed by Jillian Carucci will run July 13 and 14 at 6PM and 8PM. Embark on a romantic journey as Paul, an American, meets Eve in Budapest. Together, they work to overcome the barriers of language. Will their love conquer the pollution that is overcoming their home? You won't want to miss this timely story.

The Wedge will close with Pullman Car Hiawatha by Thornton Wilder directed by Gabriel Vega Weissman. Pullman Car Hiawatha takes the audience on a metaphorical journey by train through the American landscape. A diverse band of travelers encapsulated in a Pullman car hurtles through time, space and a range of emotions. Don't miss the last show of the series, July 27 and 28 at 6PM and 8PM.

Michael Barakiva, Hangar Theatre Artistic Director and former Hangar Drama League directing fellow comments, "Chosen from a national pool of over 100 candidates, the Hangar Drama League Directing Fellows have put together an electrifying Wedge season. I am beyond excited to share these sexy and edgy productions with our audience, and especially excited to present them in the new Cherry Artspace." The Wedge offers the Ithaca community the "kind of theatre that pulses, vibrates, breathes, and celebrates the experience of being alive through theatricality. As an alum of this program I can say that this is a truly unique experience."

v13i23