Angels, Vulcans, and Pittsburghers in America

Don Wadsworth of the School of Drama faculty points out that the Signature Theatre production of Angels in America "features three CMU alums in major roles: Christian Borle ('95), Billy Porter ('91) and Zach Quinto ('99). Christian, Zach and Billy were all from Pittsburgh, all trained at CMU and all were Music Theater students in our program." When we say that the artists you collaborate with at CMU will change your life, we are not just whistling Dixie.

faked geography

Now playing and soon touring: The Builders Association's Jet Lag, based on two barely believable true stories of travel obsession. The Obie-winning production is directed by Marianne Weems (head of the CMU graduate directing program) and the new cast includes Nick Bonnar (CMU '10).

First candidate for September title of the month

Lost Boy Found in Whole Foods, by CMU Dramatic Writing alumna Tammy Ryan, is getting some nice press. If you can get to Union, New Jersey, see it.

The play followed a typically winding road to production: it received a Seed Award from The Sprout Fund in support of its development at Bricolage’s In The Raw series, and was further developed at The New Harmony Project, Premiere Stages Playwriting Festival, Playwrights Theater of New Jersey, The Lark, and was a featured play at the National Network of New Plays 2009 National Showcase.

CMU zombies in Australia

Should you happen to be in North Queensland, Dean Poynor (Dramatic Writing MFA '10) is bringing the zombie apocalypse. His play Homo apocalyptus, set one hundred years in the future, is playing the Cairns Festival. The collaborative team includes outstanding CMU colleagues Katie Wieland and Sarah Krohn.

His fists hit hard, and his rage runs red-hot.

Now playing in Washington, D.C.: Cherry Smoke by CMU Dramatic Writing alum James McManus, a Princess Grace Award winner and a brand-new resident playwright of New Dramatists. Cherry Smoke was first produced in the New Works Series at CMU as Jim's thesis production. He was one of six guests we brought in to advise the Class of 2010 on their careers when the class traveled to NYC for their graduate showcase last spring.