A wonderful community theater company, EPIC Players, is taking center stage with a production of Almost, Maine at the Jeffrey and Paula Gural Theater at A.R.T./NY from Saturday, December 4 through Sunday, December 12, 2021. If you cannot make these performances, put this troupe on your radar for a strictly heart-warming, exuberant and meaningful theater experience.
EPIC Players—which stands for Empower, Perform, Include, and Create—is a Brooklyn-based nonprofit theatre company founded five years ago to provide opportunities for performers with developmental disabilities to represent themselves on stage and screen. EPIC seeks to use the performing arts as a vehicle to empower artists with developmental disabilities and pioneer increased inclusion in the arts.
Through neuro-inclusive mainstage productions, musical cabarets, original showcases, skills-based classes and career resources, EPIC breaks down social stigmas surrounding neuro-diverse communities, increasing employment opportunities and pioneering inclusion in the arts.
“EPIC is a place where neurodivergent and developmental disabled artists can be clearly seen and heard” said Aubrie Therrien, Executive Artistic Director at EPIC Players.
Almost, Maine, is a delightful romantic-comedy by John Cariani about hope, love and connection. Set in a remote, mythical town, this midwinter night’s dream is sure to captivate audiences as they follow residents of the town of Almost, who find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and often hilarious ways.
“EPIC is excited to bring to life Almost, Maine, a show about something we are all seeking, especially as theatres reopen after pandemic shutdowns – true connections,” said Travis Burbee, Director of Almost, Maine.
EPIC serves as the producer of Almost, Maine, Burbee is director, and Will Ketter is assistant director. The cast features EPIC Players’ members: Jesùs Chevez, Nada Smith, Henry Houghton, Natalie Kaiser, Benjamin Rosloff*, Ellie Sondock, Whitney Blythe, Carla Hayes, Gianluca Cirafici, Gerard Riley, Samantha Elisofon, Dante Jayce, and Zachary Lichterman.
EPIC Players has performed their bi-annual, neuro-inclusive cabaret to sold-out audiences at Lincoln Center and at Joe’s Pub at The Public. They were honored to ring the opening bell at The New York Stock Exchange in April 2018 and speak at The United Nations on autism and the arts.
Tickets start at $25 for general admission and can be purchased at the on-site box office, which will be open for one hour prior to each performance, however online reservations are highly encouraged as ticket availability is limited. For more information and group sales inquiries please email: info@epicplayersnyc.org All audience members are required to show proof of vaccination to attend the in-person performance and must wear a mask at all times.
EPIC is an inclusive theater company and offers an accessible theater to individuals with disabilities and members of the neurodiverse community and their families. The following accommodations are offered: ADA Seating with wheelchair and companion seating; Assisted Listening Devices; Sensory Guides including noise canceling headphones and a relaxed atmosphere where the audience can come and go and vocalize as needed.
This production of Almost, Maine is made possible in part with the support of The Howard Gillman Foundation, The New York State Council on the Arts, New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, A.R.T./New York, The Andrew Mellon Foundation, The Annabelle Foundation, and The Hoffman Charitable Trust.
* denotes artist is a member of Actors’ Equity
By Victoria Larson; photos are as indicated.
