The Silver Theater Project – Everything Old Is New Again

The Silver Theater Project is proud to announce their first in a monthly series of Salon Style play readings by local performers, 40 and over, of plays written by local playwrights, 40 and over.

This event launches the brainchild of Michael McGovern, who felt that there is a need in Pittsburgh to create opportunities for older writers and performers to have their voices heard, both literally, and by the pen (or in this age, the computer word processing program). There is a lack of material that engages the older generations, as well as a lack of opportunities for the mature performer to show that they still have the chops, and The Silver Theater Project’s aim is to fill that void.

The plan for the company is to stage a series of monthly Salon Style readings to raise awareness of the group, to begin to build a base audience, and to begin the fundraising process. Readings will be held in September, October and November, taking December off for the holidays, leading to a fundraising event in February, followed by an ‘Ageless’ Cabaret, and leading ultimately to a full staged production in the fall.

The first two plays on their roster will be ‘Coffee and Kisses’ by Michael McGovern, and ‘Retrospect’ by Kim El.

Playwright Michael McGovern – photo by Shawn Karabinos
Playwright Kim El – photo by David Conley

‘Coffee and Kisses’ Is a short play in four scenes. Are coffee shops the new singles bars? And is love still magical? Find out the answers in this delightful comedy of manners. If you like old Cary Grant/Katherine Hepburn movies you’re going to love the romantic antics of these crisscrossed lovers!

‘Retrospect’ is a short play that centers around a family of three African-American women, the matriarch Aunt, and two nieces, one hard hitting career gal, and one devoted mom, as they gather for a special Mother’s Day brunch.

Michael McGovern received his BFA in Theatre from Point Park College and his MFA in Playwriting from Carnegie-Mellon University. While at Carnegie-Mellon his play Ireland’s Shakespeare won the Bud Yorkin Award.

His work has been performed at such diverse theaters as the 13th Street Theatre and The Nat Horne Theatre in New York, the Pittsburgh Playhouse Jr., Bricolage, Prime Stage, and Rage of the Stage in Pittsburgh. His short play PREPARING BANQUO was a favorite in his Beat Cabaret series.

Kim El is a Pittsburgh-born poet, playwright, actor and director with extensive stage and technical experience in various venues including theater, educational facilities and social organizations. She uses words and movement to stimulate human consciousness. Her theatrical experience has been developed from various venues in the city, including New Horizon Theater, Pittsburgh Playwrights Theater Company, Kuntu Repertory Theatre, Bricolage Production Company, No Name Theatre, The Shadow Lounge and Quiet Storm Coffee House. Included in her repertoire are two full length plays, Turnabout and The Poet’s Corner (co-written with playwright, KL) and nine one-acts, You Must Be Outta Your Mind, No Kiddin, Speakeasy, Just Fishin, The Sunday God Gave Me, Detention Wish, Habari Gani! Children Celebrating Kwanzaa, When Souls Whisper, and this evening’s piece, Retrospect.

The reading will be held at The Glitter Box Theater located at 460 Melwood Avenue, in Oakland. Doors will open at 7 pm, and the readings will begin at 7:30. As admission, the Salon readings have a suggested donation of $10.

For more information, connect with The Silver Theater Project here.

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