World Premiere at Kitchen Theatre

: By Megan Pugh; Entertainment; | Sep 24, 2009 |

Do you remember your first day of a brand new job? There were likely millions of thoughts that ran through your head just in the first minute of not knowing where to be or what to do. If you have ever started a new job, then this theatrical event created by Ted LoRusso and Sturgis Warner, will ring true and delight. FIRST DAY: Suite for Four Actors and Percussionist will be the second Main Stage production in the Kitchen Theatre Company’s 2009-10 season.

First Day follows a young man, Johnny Diamond, on his way to his first day of his first job in the big city. Charged with hopeful expectations, filled with nerves but eager to take those first steps, Johnny's mind is on fire with thoughts of what might happen. His mind bounces from what he sees on the street, to a nano-size instant daydream, to the beautiful woman crossing in front of him, to the woman he once loved in high school; and that is only the beginning. It's fast and furious, shifting like a free-style jazz opus.

Four actors and one percussionist create a world between the end of adolescence and the brink of adulthood. NYC-based AEA actor Erin Gann plays Johnny Diamond, and is joined by actors Michael Dalto, Alejandro Rodriguez, and NYC-Ithacan transplant AEA actor Jennifer Herzog. The three portray his endless stream of thoughts and every one else in his mind or his sight. Rounding out this theatrical event is percussionist Steve Reichlen, who puts Diamond’s rhythm, unarticulated moods, emotions, and heartbeat into music and sound. It's hilarious and honest. First Day is like nothing else: a play with percussion, movement, and non-stop entertainment.

LoRusso and Warner have been collaborating on the wildly original First Day script for over two and a half years. After several workshop productions in New York City, they are excited to be bringing the play to the Kitchen Theatre’s audience for its World Premiere. Warner directed KTC’s production of After Ashley in 2007, and The Kithen Theatre couldn’t be happier to have him return to direct this electrifying new production.

Join Diamond and his crew of infinite inner voices on a rollercoaster of emotions during this wildly entertaining perspective of beginning a new job. First Day contains strong language and is for ages 16 and up.

Scenic and Lighting design is by Max Doolittle, and LaShawn Keyser is the Stage Manager.

First Day is sponsored by Hilton Garden Inn.

Performance Dates:

Wed., October 14, 2009 at 7:30pm (preview 1 of 3)

Thurs., October 15, 2009 at 7:30pm (preview 2 of 3)

Fri., October 16, 2009 at 8:00pm (preview 3 of 3)

Sat., October 17, 2009 at 8:00pm (press opening)

Sun., October 18, 2009 at 4:00pm

Wed., October 21, 2009 at 7:30pm

Thurs., October 22, 2009 at 7:30pm

Fri., October 23, 2009 at 8:00pm (wine tasting)

Sat., October 24, 2009 at 8:00pm