Steven Skybell (‘Yiddish Fiddler’-Fidler Afn Dakh – National Yiddish Theatre)

 

by Sandi Durell

 

 

The ATCA traditional highlight of its weekend conference is always the ‘Luncheon with the Stars’ at Sardi’s Restaurant where writers and journalists from around the country enjoy a relaxed and candid opportunity to mingle and converse with many of the current Broadway talents. Each of the guest stars came to the podium presented by a member who asked a question. We listened, learned, laughed . . . and were enlightened.

 

Joe Iconis – ‘Be More Chill’

 

Bonnie Milligan (Head Over Heels)

Eric William Morris (King Kong)

Rebecca Luker – Inner Voices

Courtenay Collins (Broadway debut, The Prom)

On November 3 the stars came out to meet and greet and enjoy lunch all due to the efforts of Chair of the event, Sherry Eaker and her amazing group of of collaborators. Sherry has been running the New York Conference for too many years to recall also arranging for the various panelist discussions that are the major thrust of the organization. We learn from many in the industry!

Jennifer Simard (Hello,Dolly!, Disaster!)

Donja Love – Fireflies (Playwright)

Kenita Miller (Once On This Island)

Ronnie Marmo (I’m Not a Comedian…I’m Lenny Bruce)

Ben Jacoby ((Beautiful)

Primus Prize to Martyna Majok (Cost of Living)

Charlotte Moore & Bill Irwin (Irish Rep)

Inner Voices 2018 – Rebecca Luker, Paulette Haupt, Jeff Blumenkrantz

Aaron Krohn (Summer: The Donna Summer Musical)

Joe Iconis, Sandi Durell

 

On Friday, November 2, ATCA was privileged to meet at the theater of the Museum of Jewish Heritage where the current Yiddish Fiddler is performing with extension after extension. Morning panel discussions centered around ‘Beyond Straight White Men: Diversity on Page and Stage’ with the playwrights and theatre companies.  The panel discussions moved uptown to The Theatre Center to learn more about ‘Taking a Broadway Show on the Road’ with the tour producers. On Sunday, the ATCA members met at Don’t Tell Mama for a conversation with Mia Yoo – LaMama’s Artistic Director.

Along with all this, Broadway show tickets are arranged for members to attend a variety of shows in the evenings. Quite an event, quite a happening. Thank you Sherry Eaker and the many who helped to arrange this always highly anticipated conference! It takes a village!

Photos by JK Clarke – ‘Luncheon with the Stars’