Graphic by Dave Maulbeck

(SUMMIT, NJ) -- Vivid Stage, in residence at Oakes Center at 120 Morris Avenue in Summit, will present a free screenplay reading of Jacqueline Remembers All of This by David Lee White, Dave Maulbeck and Maribeth Theroux on Monday January 22, 2024 at 7:00pm. This project will be the first feature film produced by Vivid Stage, and is adapted from their production of Blood: A Comedy by David Lee White.

This reading, featuring the Vivid Stage acting ensemble and directed by Artistic Director Laura Ekstrand, is a preview of the film. This cinematic journey, slated for principal photography this summer, is accompanied by the launch of a Kickstarter campaign on January 22, inviting audiences to be part of this captivating exploration of consciousness and familial bonds.

Jacqueline Remembers All of This, which will be directed by Laura Ekstrand and featuring Noreen Farley as Jacqueline, is a unique blend of humor and heartfelt storytelling. Set against the rich tapestry of Vivid Stage's 30-year storytelling legacy, this cinematic venture explores themes of forgiveness, love, and the intricate dynamics within families.

The narrative unfolds around Jacqueline, a quantum physics professor grappling with dementia, as she seeks to share her truth with her daughter Franny. Against the backdrop of Franny's impending marriage to the deeply religious Matthew, suspicions of his connection to a mysterious cult-like church add intriguing layers. Franny's brother, Alec, injects humor and chaos into the storyline, as the film promises to challenge conventional storytelling.

The cast features Clark Carmichael, Harry Patrick Christian, Noreen Farley, Dave Maulbeck, Scott McGowan, Becca McLarty, Daria M. Sullivan, Jason Szamreta, Harriett Trangucci and Emaline Williams. Nicole Callender produces, along with Ekstrand, Maulbeck and Jeff Ertz.

The reading takes place at the Oakes Center at 120 Morris Avenue in Summit on Monday, January 22, 2024 at 7:00pm. Admission is free, but reservations are required at info@vividstage.org. For more information, call 908-514-9654. The Oakes Center is wheelchair accessible.

Vivid Stage was founded in 1994 as Dreamcatcher Rep, and is a non-profit professional ensemble of actors who build community with the audience by sharing contemporary, life-affirming stories that challenge, energize and entertain. Their work has at its heart a belief in the essential goodness of people and the power of live performance to connect people through our shared humanity. They expose theatregoers to ideas and lives like and unlike their own with the intention of awakening their imaginations and creating empathy for others. They deepen the experience of all their patrons with personal contact through receptions, talkbacks, and interactive programs.

The company’s activities include mainstage productions, improvisational comedy and cabarets, new play readings and a variety of educational and senior outreach programs.

Vivid Stage’s programs are funded by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, the Union County Department of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, and many other corporations, foundations and individuals.  Vivid Stage is an Equity Producing member of the New Jersey Theatre Alliance.

Vivid Stage, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) corporation, incorporated under the laws of the State of New Jersey.