EAST TO EDINBURGH

59E59
July – Oct. 18

When you head uptown on the eastside, you will find a theater that presents an array of national and international productions. 

This summer, 59E59 is presenting a series of programs from here and abroad: East to Edinburgh frequently sells out. Extra Dry runs from July 7 – 12 and like the title suggests, alcohol is involved.  Written and performed by Michelle Renee Johnson and co-created and directed by Lila Rachel Becker, the lead, MJ, dives into a wild romance fueled by booze and doubt.

The Problem by Brian Parks and directed by Maragarett Perry, a fast paced comedy, three men Matthew Boston, Brian Dykstra, and Patrick Frederic are haunted by a secret. that threatens their existence and runs from July 7 -19.

A Play on Words from July 8-16 by Brian Dykstra, and directed by Maragrett Perry, features Mark Boyett and Brian Dykstra as two constantly bickering fellas while scheming on a big one.

If you’re interested in an OCD, ADHD, Gluten Free, GenZ musical, comedy, then head for An American (Not) In Paris from July 9 – 26. Written and performed by Liv Rocklin and directed by Hallie Rae Sebastian, through a maze of songs and languages, Lizzie McGuire faces a moment gone wrong.

A touching examination of rage and love, Kitty Daddy runs from July 9 – 19. Written and performed by Bob Brader and directed by Suzanne Bachner.  

July 10 – 14 see This Is Not Hansel and Gretel which is written and performed by Christian Hege and directed by Jenny Mercein. It’s a 14th century story from the darkest era plaguing Europe and to boot two children lost in the woods.

Hadid runs from July 10-21, written and performed by Michelle Choh and directed by Emily Olcott, follows one normal sibling, Helena Hadid, in a celebrity family who is changed by a rehabilitation campaign.

From July 10 – Aug. 23 you can catch Hershey Felder: The Piano and Me created and performed by Felder highlights piano performances by composers Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Liszt, Rachmaninoff, Bartók. These impressive compositions are framed by stories of the artists and how they inspired Felder.

July 11 – Aug. 9 treat yourself to Sukkot by Matthew Leavitt and directed by Joel Zwick​ with Andy Robinson, Natalie Lander, Liza Seneca, and Jonathan Slavin. Depressed over the death of his wife, Patrick Sullivan finds joy through the practice of Sukkot.

July 14-18 there’s Likewise by Kiera Moran, directed by Hadassa Roz and composed by Patrick Moran with Kiera Moran and Phoebe Golfinos. Friendship and the craziness of youth frolic through witty jaunts.

I Almost Died For This  written and performed by Kristina Libby and directed by Padraic Lillis, A one woman show about a woman who finds a soulmate and ricochets after a disastrous injury from July 15 -23.

July 16-18 The Lady Doth Protest By Mark Blankenship, from a story by Mark Blankenship and Nealy Glenn is directed by Evan Zes​ with Nealy Glenn and Liam Craig. A fast and physical show, there’s a match over the Bard.

The rest of the list includes: Legenday, Dear Michelle Kwan, Belly, atticwife, The Vessel, The House of the Negro Insane, Lean To, Mrs. Stern Wanders the Prussian State Library, Crazy Mama: A True Story of Love and Madnessfrom July to Oct. 18.

C. Ipiotis