Cranston, RI – Artists’ Exchange is pleased to announce an upcoming monthly Variety Show, presented by A Rose Productions in The Black Box Theatre. The first show will take place on Saturday, June 20th at 7pm.
Julie Bragg, Artistic Director of A Rose Productions, describes the show as “an interactive, inspirational, improvisational, musical sensation! Everything from Shakespeare to Sondheim!”.
Hailing from Johnston, Bragg has improv’d her way down the East Coast, settling in New York City and then in Florida, until recently returning to RI, with the Variety Show being her first project since her homecoming.
Facebook has facilitated a reunion for Julie and several of her former acting buddies, including Geoff White of Pawtucket, a cast member from the most recent Black Box Theatre production of “Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992,” Laura Kaslowski of Providence and Gladys Cole of Pawtucket, each of whom have joined Bragg's troupe. Other players include Melissa Bowler of Improv Jones, and Bob Reynolds, also a frequent cast member of Black Box Theatre Productions.
A founding member of AS220’s Porkchop Lounge (now the Empire Revue), Bragg has years of experience making people chuckle. She was a member of the Improvables in New York City, and began crafting her own variety shows during her time in Florida.
Improv is one of her two great theatrical loves; the other is Shakespeare. Bragg’s affection for Shakespeare often finds its way into her improv, from her version of “Hamlet” set in Brooklyn to a psychiatric patient’s description of recurring dreams featuring Shakespearean characters singing Broadway tunes.
With variety as the aim, each show’s line-up will feature two guest stars, perhaps a guitarist, maybe a poet, or even an opera singer.
Future Variety Show dates include July 18th, August 15th and September 26th. All shows will take place at 7pm in the Black Box Theatre at Artists’ Exchange. Tickets are $10 at the door.
Artists’ Exchange is located at 50 Rolfe Square in Cranston. For more information, contact Christina Mealey at 401.490.9475.
(This is not an RIFC Production)