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Mission

My job as a playwright is to entertain, educate and emotionally challenge the audience. Each work is a call to action, whether it be to storm the barricades, seek acceptance, or merely to love.

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Something’s rotten in the borough of Brooklyn…

 

A READING

of

 

HAMLET IN BENSONHURST

 

By Joan Ross Sorkin

 

A reimagining of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, set in a Jewish family

in Brooklyn in 1969 in the shadow of the Vietnam War

 

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7 @ 8:00PM

 

Featuring:

 

Will DeVary • Ginger Grace • Tim Jerome

John McGowan • Carole Monfredini • Rita Neidich

Ben Salus • Allison Sheff • Max Wolkowitz

 

Hastings-on-Hudson Public Library

7 Maple Ave, Hastings-On-Hudson, NY

Lower-Level Entrance

 

Tickets are free, and no reservations are required

Talk-back follows

NEW PRODUCTION:

 

(mis)UNDERSTANDING MAMMY:

The Hattie McDaniel Story

 

By Joan Ross Sorkin

Starring Tina Fabrique

 

Directed by Seret Scott

 

The Schoolhouse Theater

3 Owens Road

Croton Falls, NY 10519

 

July 14 - 30, 2023

 

The play explores the controversial life of Hattie McDaniel and her attempt to vindicate herself in the face of the NAACP'S unrelenting "Campaign against Mammyism" in Hollywood in the 1930s and 40s. Lurking beneath the surface of this campaign is the growing tension between light-skinned and dark-skinned Blacks within the burgeoning film industry. It is not just Hattie's story; it is America's story.

 

For more info, about the show, click on (mis)Understanding Mammy under “Plays” on the website above.

 ANNOUNCING

THE WORLD PREMIERE OF:

DANDELION

A New Family Musical

 

Book and Lyrics by Joan Ross Sorkin

Music by Mary Liz McNamara

 

Based on the book Dandelion by Don Freeman

 

Directed by Jill Zarcone

 

Playhouse on Park

244 Park Road

West Hartford, CT 06119

 

April 25 - May 14, 2023

 

The musical is the story of Dandelion, a shy, awkward lion who decides to reinvent himself when he is invited to Jennifer Giraffe’s impromptu party, but ultimately learns it's better just to be yourself. Additional themes include bullying and social exclusion. Most suitable for ages 5-11, but a show the whole family can enjoy!

 

For more info, about the show and music links, click on Dandelion tab under "Musicals" on the website above.