By Kenneth Jones
04 Sep 2004

The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts hosts its third annual Page-to-Stage New Play Festival Sept. 4-6, boasting more than 25 theatres from the D.C. metropolitan area, all presenting readings of new works at the prestigious arts institution.

Special events and panel discussions are part of the weekend, but for those with appetites for new voices and fresh work, the readings are the meat of the buffet.

The 2004 highlights include new works by celebrated novelist and poet Joyce Carol Oates and Olivier Award–nominated dramatist Moira Buffini, along with offerings from local playwrights, including a musical parody by Shawn Northrip and a historical drama by 2003 Charles MacArthur Award winner Ernie Joselovitz.

For writers whose work is just emerging, being heard under the roof of the Kennedy Center will be both inspiring and informative, said Mary H. Webb, a novelist from Berkeley, CA.

Webb is flying in to witness the first public reading of her play, Arguing About Every Single Thing. The work is inspired by her relationship with her son. She told Playbill On-Line there is something ego-boosting about being heard in the Kennedy Center ("I wouldn't care if it was in the basement!"), and that the Sept. 5 afternoon reading is a valuable opportunity for her and her director, Bill Largess, to learn from the experience.

"It's always helpful to hear actors read the dialogue and hear what they bring to the play," Webb said. "Because this is a relatively new play that hasn't been read before, a reading helps in the cutting and revising."

The cast of Arguing includes Morgan Duncan and Shirleyann Kaladjian.

New musicals will be previewed on the Millennium Stage. Expect excerpts from works by Emmy Award–winning director Paris Barclay, five-time Tony Award nominee Michael John LaChiusa, and multiple Helen Hayes Award winner John Strand.

Participating companies include The Actors' Theatre of Washington, African Continuum Theatre Company, Catalyst Theater Company, Catholic University of America, The Center Company/Washington Women in Theatre, Charter Theatre, Firebelly Productions, The Georgetown Theatre Company, Theatre J, Metrostage, The Playwright's Forum, The Rorshach Theatre Company, Signature Theatre, Smallbeer Theater Company, Source Theatre Company, Theatre Alliance, Theater of the First Amendment, Trumpet Vine Theatre Company, Washington Stage Guild and Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company.

Here are some of presentations and their sponsoring theatres:

SEPT. 5

Catalyst Theater Company presents Motion Sickness by Christopher Gallu. "Peter can't stop moving from town to town, driven by his work and an unidentified illness. Wendy is the one constant in Peter's life and the only person who can see the true impetus behind his never-ending movement. Motion Sickness is the story of one night in the lives of two people searching for the same thing in different places." Sept. 5, 8:30-10 PM, North Atrium Foyer.

Firebelly Productions presents Conversing Elevens and Dunce by David Cahill. "In Conversing Elevens, a married couple's ids, egos, and superegos are led astray through an impromptu therapy session with a nosy waiter named Sigmund. In Dunce, three people are locked in a room, ignorant of their captors and unable to remember even their own names. With the past a blur, the trio searches for meaning in a stark, absurd present." Sept. 5, 7:15-10 PM, South Atrium Foyer.

Theatre Alliance presents Blavatsky's Tower by Moira Buffini and directed by Kerri Rambow. "Staying in is the new going out. Hector Blavatsky is dying, blind, and lives secluded with his three children. Ingrid tends her sky garden and transcribes his visions. Roland lives on a diet of daytime TV. And Audrey has a day job to keep them all supplied with stationery, mulch, and chocolate-topped sponge cakes. Chaos ensues when a young doctor tries to drag them into the 21st century." Sept. 5, 2:30-5:30 PM, South Atrium Foyer.

Washington Stage Guild presents Arguing About Every Single Thing by Mary H. Webb and directed by Bill Largess. "When a mother raises her son to be as strong-willed as she is, mutual respect and affection don't prevent frequent disagreements. As the two relive their adventures—from civil rights activism to backpacking through Africa—each learns to depend on the other for support and challenge." Featuring Morgan Duncan, Michael Glenn, Shirleyann Kaladjian. Sept. 5, 2:30-5:30 PM, North Atrium Foyer.

Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company presents Belly of the Whale by Scott Organ and directed by Andrew Wassenich. "Henry's about to lose the whole popsicle. Laura's trying to shed a few pounds. Jack just came here for the work. Lily will help you discover the truth. Stu just wants to take his sister home. And Stan will change your mind. Don't miss this dark, modern comedy about the rat race, family ties, cults, and de-programming." Sept. 5, 2:30-5:30 PM, Film Theater.

Programs and artists subject to change. All performances in the Terrace Theater, Theater Lab, Terrace Gallery, and Film Theater are ticketed.

Free tickets will be given out at the door to each of these venues on a first-come, first-serve basis beginning 30 minutes prior to the start of each performance. Seating is limited. Limit four tickets per person, subject to availability.

For more information, visit www.kennedy-center.org.