originally published: 08/27/2016
(HAMMONTON, NJ) -- Broadway is currently enjoying the open run of several smash hits, most of which received an “out-of-town tryout.” Could Hammonton be the Big Apple’s hottest new playground?
On September 9th Eagle Theatre opens their first mainstage World Premiere - The King of East Jabip - written by local playwright Kelly McCarthy and starring her father, Barrymore Award Winner, legend of stage and screen, Tom McCarthy.
According to Eagle Theatre Co-Artistic Director Ted Wioncek III, “A plethora of producers, potential investors, and regional theatres will be traveling quite a distance to catch a glimpse of McCarthy’s new play. We look forward to discussing the broad and bright future of Jabip and its budding new playwright.”
Set in Philadelphia, The King of East Jabip touches on the trials and tribulations of growing in age, losing state of mind and dealing with loss. Witty and humorous, the new play promises to leave audiences grateful for all of life’s immeasurable beauty.
The King of East Jabip ’s inaugural read-through took place over three years ago at America’s Oldest Theatre, Philadelphia’s Walnut Street Theatre. Thereafter, the script was submitted and won a spot in Eagle Theatre’s progressive New Works Development Series, a public reading for local professional playwrights, offering patrons an intimate experience with original work in its infancy. Eagle Theatre patrons instantly responded to McCarthy’s heartwarming insight into the American family. Throughout the process, Eagle Theatre has helped assist McCarthy in several workshops, drafts, and private readings of the play. Co-Artistic Director Ed Corsi states “The script has seen several revisions throughout its translation from page-to-stage, however, the play itself remains every bit as true to its origins.”
McCarthy adds, “When the lights go down at Eagle Theatre, the moment the actors walk onto the stage, you feel something. From beginning to end, your emotions can run the gamut from warmth and love to heartache and anger, and always a deep connection to humanity itself. That’s a gift. And that’s what I want as an audience member and what I am compelled to do as a writer. It’s not my job to tell you what to think, but I believe it is my job to make you feel something, anything. Eagle Theatre does that consistently with every production. That is why Eagle Theatre is perfect for a World Premiere.”
Eagle Theatre is currently in discussion regarding a 2018 World Premiere of their Innovations Factory’s Noir: The 3D4D Semi-Sinematic Satirical Thriller, recently having celebrated a sold-out extended run debut at New Jersey Fringe Festival.
Founded in 2009, The Eagle Theatre, South Jersey’s only year-round professional Equity theatre, is dedicated to redefining regional theatre through innovation, enlightened production techniques and the development of eclectic theatrics. This award-winning cultural epicenter boasts state of the art equipment, a free double parking lot, Sharrott Winery’s on-site Wine Lounge, and is located within walking distance of several award-winning boutiques and acclaimed dining destinations in Downtown Hammonton.
