Acclaimed filmmaker Todd Solondz (Welcome to the Dollhouse, Happiness) makes his theatrical debut
October 1 - November 11 at The Flea
Buy tickets HERE.
“Mr. Solondz has translated his cinematic-eye view into a specifically theatrical vision with admirable success…“Emma and Max” is always fascinating to look at, even if it’s in a masochistic way.” – Ben Brantley, New York Times
“An insightful and dangerous collision of concepts, weaving a thesis on race with almost more clarity and skill then Solondz’s film work, pushing hard on the humor while holding our head under water until we laugh or scream for air.” – Steven Ross, Front Mezz Junkies
“Dryly funny and uncomfortably dark.… provocative and compelling, helped by the grounded acting of an excellent four-member cast.” – Jonathan Mandell, New York Theater
“It is thrilling to encounter a sharp persona commanding such fresh satirical bite.” – Hazen Cuyler, Theater Pizzazz
Todd Solondz, the independent screenwriter and director best known for his style of dark, thought-provoking, socially conscious satire, is making his debut as a playwright and stage director with EMMA AND MAX at The Flea Theater. Solondz has been critically acclaimed for his examination of the "dark underbelly of middle class American suburbia," a reflection of his own background in New Jersey. Performances begin October 1 at The Flea with opening slated for October 14.
EMMA AND MAX is the second play in The Flea’s Color Brave Season and explores the illusions and delusions, hopes and despair of the city’s well-off and worn-down in a satire of tragic dimensions. The cast includes Ilana Becker (Gotham, Crashing and Kevin Can Wait), Deborah S. Craig (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, The Blacklist), Zonya Love (Blue Bloods, The Color Purple, The Blacklist), and Matt Servitto (The Sopranos and Banshee).
“We’re delighted to welcome an artist like Todd Solondz into our community,” says Neigel Smith, The Flea’s Artistic Director, “He brings a new sensibility into the room but it’s so in-keeping with The Flea’s downtown aesthetic. Part of The Flea’s ethos is to encourage established artists to take new risks. This collaboration does just that.”
Todd Solondz has written and directed the films Welcome to the Dollhouse, Happiness, Storytelling, Palindromes, Life During Wartime, Dark Horse, and Wiener-Dog.
The Flea Theater, under Artistic Director Niegel Smith and Producing Director Carol Ostrow, is one of New York's leading Off-Off-Broadway companies. Winner of several Obie Awards, a Special Drama Desk Award for outstanding achievement and an Otto Award for political theater, The Flea has presented over 100 theatrical, musical and dance performances since its inception in 1996. Past productions include premieres by Steven Banks, Thomas Bradshaw, Erin Courtney, Bathsheba Doran, Will Eno, Karen Finley, Amy Freed, Sarah Gancher, Sean Graney, A.R. Gurney, Jennifer Haley, Hamish Linklater, Enrique Gutiérrez Ortiz Monasterio, Itamar Moses, Anne Nelson, Qui Nguyen, Adam Rapp, Jonathan Reynolds, Kate Robbins, Roger Rosenblatt, Elizabeth Swados, and Mac Wellman. Successes include Drama Desk nominated She Kills Monsters, These Seven Sicknesses, Restoration Comedy, The Mysteries and ten World Premiere productions by A.R. Gurney, including the WSJ Best New Play of 2013, Family Furniture.
EMMA AND MAX runs October 1 - November 11. Performances are Wednesday - Monday at 7pm with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 3pm. Tickets start at $15 with the lowest priced tickets available on a first-come, first-served basis. The Flea Theater is located at 20 Thomas Street between Church and Broadway, three blocks north of Chambers, close to the A/C/E, N/Q/R/W, 4/5/6, J/M/Z and 1/2/3 subway lines. Purchase tickets by calling 212-352-3101 or online at www.theflea.org.