Playwright · Musical Bookwriter · Lyricist · Opera Librettist · Screenwriter
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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.
latest news
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
MONDAY, OCTOBER 30 @ 7:30PM
Featuring:
Will DeVary • Ginger Grace • Tim Jerome
John McGowan • Carole Monferdini • Mikey Marmann
Rita Neidich • Allison Sheff • Niko Touros
Scarsdale Public Library
54 Olmstead Rd., Scarsdale, NY
North South Meeting Room
Admission is free, but reservations are required
sorkinbw@aol.com
Send name, number of tickets and email address
Confirmation will follow
Talk-back follows reading
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.