Its not every day you get to live out your dream, to get to do something you love and have people line up to see it. But thats exactly what has happened for Darien native Will Sullivan. The recent New York University graduate is producing and directing his first play professionally, Neil LaButes Reasons to Be Pretty, for a six-night run at the Under St. Marks Theater in Manhattan. The play opened last night, and will continue with shows Friday through Monday night before closing on June 2.
Sullivan was terribly excited about the whole enterprise, his eyes lighting up as he went into detail. He explained that, by using NYUs resources in the run-up to graduation, he was able to put together the show with very little cost. While still undergraduates, Sullivan, his actors and his crew were able to use the schools practice rooms and other facilities for free. So this is sort of my last chance to do something like this without having to pay too much for it, he said.
The director had nothing but glowing recommendations for his cast, which includes Elizabeth Gray, Tommy Nelms, Rachel May Lewis, and Nathaniel Peart also recent NYU graduates. Its really a powerhouse cast, he said, adding that a few received special commendations at graduation for their acting abilities. The group all graduated just a few short weeks ago, on May 13.
For those interested in supporting Sullivans work, tickets are still available at [email protected], or by searching reasons at smarttix.com. They cost $15, or $7 with a student I.D.
As for what happens after the curtain drops next Wednesday, its anyones guess. But for now, Sullivan is just excited for this opportunity. I just wanted to do my first show in New York, he said. Just to see what its like.
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