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"101 Humiliating Stories" Made Vivid


By Gina Marie Rodriguez, JerseyArts.com

originally published: 04/08/2023


Laura Ekstrand is the Producing Artistic Director of Vivid Stage in Summit, New Jersey, as well as its next leading lady. Starring in 101 Humiliating Stories by Lisa Kron, she will headline the first performance of Vivid Stage's Solo Series from April 13-16.

"In this one-woman show, the actor shares a series of humiliations past, present and future, including exquisitely detailed anecdotes like 'Geeky Celebrity Encounters' and 'How I Spent All the Petty Cash From My Office on Makeup.' An invitation to perform at her high school reunion in Lansing, Michigan, triggers another series of anxiety-filled fantasies. How will she, a lesbian East Village performance artist, cope with her Midwestern classmates? 101 Humiliating Stories is evocative, moving and overall hilarious." 

Jersey Arts speaks with Ekstrand about the relatable humor of 101 Humiliating Stories and learns more about what programming and opportunities Vivid Stage has to offer.




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About the author: Gina Marie Rodriguez is an award-winning screenwriter, director, and actress. Her foray into filmmaking began at a young age as a way to avoid public speaking in school. From there, it grew into a love of telling stories and creating new worlds. Gina Marie boasts a Bronze Remi win from Worldfest Houston, Best Female Filmmaker from the Cosmic Film Festival, and a Best Actress in a Comedy from the Hang Onto Your Shorts Film Festival alongside nominations from the Golden Door International Film Festival, Official Latino Film and Arts Festival and Los Angeles Cinefest among others.

Content provided by Discover Jersey Arts, a project of the ArtPride New Jersey Foundation and New Jersey State Council on the Arts.




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