History

August/September 2015:
The Magic Jukebox: New York City World Tour

In 2015 Serious Theatre Collective presented, as a part of the 2015 New York International Fringe Festival and an off Broadway extension as a part of the Best of the Fest at the C.O.W., twelve action packed genre bouncing musical sketches from hardcore hair metal to panty-dropping R&B, enchanting madrigals to down home gospel— and much more. Featuring a live band, epic offstage battles, Lovecraftian elder gods, and three real dolphins (played by humans)!




Performed at: The Celebration of Whimsy a.k.a. the C.O.W. (21 Clinton Street (Between Houston and Stanton)

Writer/Book: The Serious Theatre Collective
Writer/Lyrics: Lizz Leiser
Musical Director/Composer: Ari Kessler
Director: Lizz Leiser, Kacie Laforest, Nick Masercola
Starring: Chris D'Amato, Abby Goldfarb, Sam Durant Hunter, Kacie Laforest, Ciara Curran, Kymberly Tuttle, Britton Saffer
Live Band: Ricardo Delgado, Ari Kessler, Andrew Hollis

Run Time: 1h 15m

Genre: Musical / Comedy








November 2014:
The Magic Jukebox



The Magic Jukebox: Vol. 1

Musical Sketch Comedy for Lovers and Platonic Friends

The Magic Jukebox: Vol. 1 was performed at the first ever pop-up theater at the South Street Seaport's Cannon's Walk. 

With the a generous sponsorship from the Howard Hughes Corporation, the Serious Theatre Collective offered free tickets to all shows of The Magic Jukebox: Vol. 1.

A world premiere, the Serious Theatre Collective brought you the ridiculous joy of live musical theater with the packed laughs of sketch comedy. 

The Serious Theatre Collective created an evening of 18 of our most unique, entertaining, and hilarious sketches underscored by original music played by STC's live band. Featuring a wide variety of musical styles and genres- from indie rock to hardcore metal to down home country to epic Karaoke ballads fueled everyone's favorite superhero: Tequila.  

The show ran approximately 75 minutes and contained 18 original scenes complimented by custom artist-created set items, and accompanied by a live band.

What:
The Magic Jukebox: Vol. 1
Musical Sketch Comedy for Lovers and Platonic Friends
Run Time: 75 minutes

Where:
Cannon's Walk @ South Street Seaport
206 Front Street
New York, NY 10038

When: 
All Shows: 7:30pm door, 8pm curtain
Thursday 11/6/14
Friday 11/7/14
Saturday 11/8/14
Thursday 11/13/14
Friday 11/14/14
Saturday 11/15/14
Thursday: 11/20/14
Friday 11/21/14
Saturday 11/22/14

Cost:
The Magic Jukebox was a new theater event sponsored by the Howard Hughes Corporation
Tickets were FREE.

Photo by: Morgan Shortell 

Credits From left to right: 
Sam Durant Hunter, Kymberly Tuttle, Britton Saffer,
 Ricardo Delgado, Kacie Laforest, Mike Drummey

Not pictured but, absolutely in killed it in the show: 
Laura Aristovulos, Abby Goldfarb, and Kirsten Almeida


October 2013:
 Professor von Awesome's Ghost Hunting Safari in NYC and Philadelphia



Professor von Awesome’s Ghost Hunting Safari was an adventure of epic theatrical proportions including music, puppetry, burlesque and necromancy— with passages from the Book of the Dead and, perhaps even, all the secrets of death revealed!

Featuring two ghostly specimens: Celeste Larbolustier (formerly of Celeste's Gentlemen's Only Naughty Nude Review) and Percival von Awesome (the Professor's long suffering deceased brother) plus special guest appearances by famous medium Sveta Molotov and ex-exorcist/current demon host Ronaldo P.W. Hanks! 

A live band, a full bar, an opportunity for one lucky audience member to experience the journey from life into death, and everything you've ever wanted to know about ghosts but were afraid to ask because ghosts are scary!
Photo by Morgan Shortell

Professor von Awesome's Ghost Hunting Safari

Music. Puppetry. Burlesque. Beer. Necromancy. 

PERFORMANCE DATES:

New York: The Parkside Lounge:
Friday 10/4/13, 7:30pm Door, 8:00pm Curtain
Saturday 10/5/13, 7:30pm Door, 8:00pm Curtain
Friday 10/11/13, 7:30pm Door, 8:00pm Curtain
Saturday 10/12/13, 7:30pm Door, 8:00pm Curtain
Friday 10/25/13, 7:30pm Door, 8:00pm Curtain
Saturday 10/26/13, 7:30pm Door, 8:00pm Curtain

Philadelphia: Fergie's Pub
Friday 10/18/13, 9:00 pm Door, 9:30pm Curtain
Saturday 10/19/13, 2:30pm Door, 3:00pm Curtain
Saturday 10/19/13, 7:30pm Door, 8:00pm Curtain

The Cast and Crew of Professor von Awesome's Ghost Hunting Safari
(left to right) Ari Kessler (on piano), Britton Saffer (Perival von Awesome), Laura Aristovulos (Death),  Nick Masercola (assistant director), Will Kitchin (on dums), Mike Drummey (Professor von Awesome), Lizz Leiser (director), Jacob Callie Moore (Boobury), Nicole Brickley (Stage Manager), Annalisa Derr, (Celeste Larbolustier), Kirsten Rani Almeida (Sveta Molotov), Sam Durant Hunter (Ronaldo P.W. Hanks), Andrew Hollis (on strings/guitar) 

August - September 2012: 
The Apocalypse of John at the NYC and Philly Fringe Festivals

Serious Theatre Collective presented the world premiere of The Apocalypse of John as part of the 16th annual New York International Fringe Festival- Fringe NYC, as well as a proud part of the 2012 Live Arts Festival & Philly Fringe.

Written collaboratively by  Serious Theatre Collective, The Apocalypse of John is an absurd look at coming to terms with your worst fears. And zombies. Underscoring, live music, and soundscape by Andrew Hollis and Ricardo Delgado, lead by Ari Kessler. Props, sets, masks, and puppets by Philadelphia based visual artists Ursula and Norm Stuby.

John Darrian, a struggling advertising associate, finds himself battling six archetypal Armageddons including alien invasions, zombies, and the devil himself in a dark comedy about the tragic end of all life on Earth.

 The Serious Theatre Collective is a group of playwrights, actors, musicians, and artists who strive to make original, high-quality, affordable theater that is accessible, remarkably entertaining, surprising and fun.


Photo by: Morgan Shortell
Left to Right: Michael Mraz, Jacob Callie Moore, Kacie Laforest*, Ricardo Delgado, Zack Sciranka


Photo by: Morgan Shortell
Left to Right: Kacie Laforest, Jacob Callie Moore, Michael Mraz, Zach Sciranka, Erin Salm 

THE SERIOUS THEATRE COLLECTIVE PRESENTS
THE APOCALYPSE OF JOHN, A DARK COMEDY
The New York International Fringe Festival- Fringe NYC
A production of the Present Company

AND
2012 Live Arts Festival & Philly Fringe
For tickets, contact the Festival Box Office at (215) 413-1318 or visit www.livearts-fringe.org

The Apocalypse of John- NYC Fringe

When:
Saturday, August 11th, curtain 5pm
Tuesday August 14th, curtain 9:30pm
Friday August 17th, curtain 9:30pm
Sunday August 19th, curtain 12:00pm
Tuesday August 21st, curtain 4:30pm

And remember, the NYC Fringe does not allow late seating


Where:
Venue #10: Players Theatre 115 MacDougal St. (@ Minetta Lane)


Cost: 
Tickets $15 - $18
For tickets visit www.FringeNYC.org


The Apocalypse of John- PHILLY FRINGE

When: 
Four shows only:
-       Friday 9/14, 7pm
-       Saturday 9/15, 2pm
-       Saturday 9/15, 7pm
-       Sunday 9/16, 2pm

Where: 
Fergie’s Pub
1214 Sansom Street
Philadelphia, PA
215.928.8118

Cost: 
$15
 For tickets, contact the Festival Box Office at (215) 413-1318 or visit www.livearts-fringe.org

*Appearing courtesy of Actor's Equity Association 

The Cast
(left to right: top row) Andrew Hollis, Ricardo Delgado, Mike Drummey, Jacob Callie Moore, Michael Mraz, Zach Sciranka, Ari Kessler
(left to right: bottom row) Kymm Walker, Chris D'Amato, Erin Salm, Kacie Laforest


March 2012: 
Professor von Awesome's Sniveling Groveling Shameless Fundraising Carbaret

THE SERIOUS THEATRE COLLECTIVE PRESENTS
PROFESSOR VON AWESOME'S
SNIVELING GROVELING SHAMELESS FUNDRAISING CABARET


Professor von Awesome returned to the Parkside Lounge (317 E. Houston) for  ONE NIGHT ONLY on Thursday March 29th to host Serious Theatre Collective's first ever Sniveling Groveling Shameless Fundraising Cabaret!
              
Our cabaret featured a list of performers and songs hand selected for maximum awesomeness- including  Serious Theatre Collective favorites from The Legend of Johnny 15 and Professor von Awesome's Traveling Caravan of Cautionary Warnings!
                                 
The sniveling groveling awesomeness took place at the Parkside Lounge, 317 E. Houston (between Avenues B and C). On Thursday – March 29th . Running time was approximately 80 minutes.
Tickets were sold at the door, on the night of the performance,  $20; cash only.
  

November 2011: 
The Apocalypse of John




John Darrian, a junior-level advertising associate terrified of everything, is charged with saving the world from aliens, zombies, and Satan himself in a hilarious comedy about the tragic end of all life on Earth.

The staged reading of The Apocalypse of John took place at the Parkside Lounge, 317 E. Houston (between Avenues B and C). Performances took place at 8 p.m. on Saturday, November 5, and Thursday – Saturday, Nov. 10 – 12. Running time was approximately 75 minutes. Tickets sold at the door, on the night of the performance. All performances are $15; cash only.
  
Written collaboratively by The Serious Theatre CollectiveThe Apocalypse of John is an absurd look at coming to terms with your worst fears. And zombies.
Underscoring, live music, and soundscape led by Ari Kessler, with Ricardo Delgado and Andrew Hollis. Props, sets, masks, and puppets by Philadelphia-based visual artists Ursula and Norm Stuby.

Writers: Ricardo Delgado, Annalisa Derr, Mike Drummey, Andrew Hollis, Ari Kessler, Lizz Leiser, Erin Salm, Terry Selucky, Becca Worthington.
Direction: Lizz Leiser
Musical Direction/Composing/Lyrics: Ari Kessler
Fight Choreography: Michael Mraz
Props/Puppets/Masks: Ursula & Norm Stuby
Graphic Design: Damian Martinez
PR: Sarah Salm, Pam Jung
Live Band: (Piano) Ari Kessler, (Drums) Ricardo Delgado, (Guitar) Andrew Hollis



Cast
John Darrian                                    Michael Mraz
Maude Louise                                 Annalisa Derr
Margaret Arofat-Goldstien           Erin Salm
Gary Ackerman                              Carmen Carfagna
Stinky Dan                                       Jason Vance
Damien Blackstock Jr.                  Dave Hanson
Robert                                              Jacob Callie Moore
Charlene Ferris                              Kymm Walker


February 2011: 
The Legend of Johnny 15 (Valentine's Day run)


When the brain scanner was first invented, it was to protect us from ourselves. With a patented ability to detect dangerous levels of sexual fetish buried in the privacy of one’s mind, the streets promised to be safer for all. Yet when the wrong people get hold of the scanner, the government-run MindSpa® launches a witch-hunt. Everyone is a threat—and random “mind-cleansing” dribbles newer, duller, just-erased individuals back into a vanilla-sex world. The only one who can save us is Johnny 15 and his “dark serum”—that is, if he actually exists. Think Rocky Horror Picture Show-meets-Logan’s Run.

In a dystopian future, sex fetishes are outlawed to protect us from ourselves, and our only hope is Johnny 15—that is, if he really exists. Following its world premiere in December 2010, The Legend of Johnny 15 was remounted for Valentine’s Day week at the Parkside Lounge, 317 E. Houston (between Avenues B and C). Performances were at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, February 11 & 12, 18 & 19, plus Valentine's Day Monday February 14th.  

Tickets for the February 14th performance included champagne, chocolates and a special handmade Valentine.

Writers: Ricardo Delgado, Annalisa Derr, Mike Drummey, Ari Kessler, Lizz Leiser, Nidia Medina, Terry Selucky, Tyler Theofilos, Becca Worthington.
Directors: Lizz Leiser, Terry Selucky
Musical Direction: Ari Kessler
Lyrics: Dan Collins
Music: Nick Sula, Ari Kessler
Fight Choreography: Michael Mraz
Choreography: Jadi Collado
Design:  Damian Martinez (Show Posters), Christie Young and Christine Keith (MindSpa® Posters)
Scan Band(Piano) Ari Kessler, (Drums) Ricardo Delgado, (Guitar) Andrew Hollis


Cast: (Susan van Diepen), Erin Salm, (Jack Gough), Matt Patrick, (Dr. Cao-Cao Benwa) Jack Leeds, (Janet Johnson) Kymberly Tuttle, (Rita Love) Kacie Laforest, (Valentina Strappazzon) Annalisa Derr, (Wesley Rapeclaw) Chris D’ Amato, (Colt, MindSpa® Guard Michael HuntMichael Mraz, (Aretha King Smith, MindSpa® Guard Olivia Yorkem ) Kate Mulverry, (Jim Cummins, MindSpa® Guard Hugh Gass) Ben Danielowski, (The Scanner) Kirsten Rani Almeida

December 2010: 
The Legend of Johnny 15




When the brain scanner was first invented, it was to protect us from deviant sex criminals. With a patented ability to reveal—and erase—sex fetishes, the streets would soon be safer for everyone. Yet in the hands of the wrong people, random “mind cleansings” dribble bland individuals back into a vanilla-sex world. Our only hope is the Rebellion, Johnny 15, and his “dark serum”. 
The Legend of Johnny 15 is Rocky Horror Picture Show-meets-Logan’s Run.


The Legend of Johnny 15, a play with live music, was  performed at the Parkside Lounge, 317 E. Houston (at Avenue C), on Friday and Saturday, December 3 & 4, plus Friday and Saturday, December 10 & 11, at 8pm. 





Writers: Ricardo Delgado, Annalisa Derr, Mike Drummey, Ari Kessler, Lizz Leiser, Nidia Medina, Terry Selucky, Tyler Theofilos, Becca Worthington.
Directors: Lizz Leiser, Terry Selucky
Musical Direction: Ari Kessler
Lyrics: Dan Collins
Music: Nick Sula, Ari Kessler
Choreography: Jadi Collado, Ricardo Delgado, Wes Jetton
Design:  Damian Martinez (Show Posters), Christie Young and Christine Keith (MindSpa® Posters)
Scan Band: (Piano) Ari Kessler, (Drums) Ricardo Delgado, (Guitar) Andrew Hollis



Cast: (Benjamin van Diepen), Daniel Cibener, (Jack Gough), Mike Drummey, (Dr. Cao-Cao Benwa) Jack Leeds, (Janet Johnson) Kymberly Tuttle, (Rita Love) Kacie Laforest, (Valentina Strappazzon) Annalisa Derr, (Wesley Rapeclaw) Chris D’ Amato, (Colt, MindSpa® Assassin) Michael Mraz, (Rachel Sanchez, Aretha King Smith, MindSpa® Guard)   Jadi Collado


October 2009:
Professor von Awesome's Traveling Caravan of Cautionary Warnings



 A Terrifying Evening of Theatrical Amusements That Just Might Save Your Life!
Music! Magic! Puppetry! The Truth About Urban Legends Revealed!

Via theatre, music, puppetry, magic and burlesque Professor von Awesome takes you on a high paced journey through the perils of ignoring the morals hidden in so-called “urban legends”.
Audiences will learn the truth about your favorite urban legends, how to avoid certain death, and leave the theatre with the ability live longer, fuller, if outrageously paranoid lives.

A new play with music written collaboratively by the Serious Theatre CollectiveProfessor von Awesome’s Traveling Caravan of Cautionary Warnings will feature, a versatile cast lead by Mike Drummey, original set pieces by James J. Williams III, puppetry by Kim Mikenis, live onstage band lead by Tyler Theofilos, and song lyrics by Dan Collins

Professor von Awesome's Traveling Caravan of Cautionary Warnings was performed at the Parkside Lounge 
Friday 10/23 & Saturday 10/24, Friday 10/30 & Saturday 10/31.  

20% of each ticket goes to RightRides for Women’s Safety, a non-profit engaged in safety advocacy, ending gender-based harassment and assault.


Written Collaboratively By: The Serious Theatre Collective
 Jaime Lee Currier, Dan Collins, Ricardo Delgado, Mike Drummey, Lizz Leiser, Terry Selucky, James Shippy, Tyler Theofilos
Band Members: Tyler Theofilos, Ricardo Delgado, Noah Gall, Ari Kessler
Lyrics By: Dan Collins
Directors: Terry Selucky, Lizz Leiser
Music DirectorTyler Theofilos, Ari Kessler
Music By: Nick Sula, Tyler Theofilos, Kim Read
Prop/Set Design: James J. Williams III, Sarah Schlesinger
Graphic Design: Damian Martinez
Illustration: Lucas McCann, Ursula Stuby


Cast: 
(Professor von Awesome) Mike Drummey, (Celeste) Annalisa Derr, (Percival the Fantastic) Dylan Weinberger, (Manservant) Louis Aquiler, (Sally) Claire Tyers, (Timothy Slapchurch) Chris D’Amato, (Denise) Nidia Medina, (Jill) Kirsten Rani Almeida, (Puppetry) Kimberly Mikenis

October 2008: 
One Allotted Hour of Entertainment



One Allotted Hour of Entertainment: An Evening of Drinking and Sketch Comedy, was performed at the Knitting Factory on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. between November 26 – December 17, 2008. 


The Serious Theater Collective originates scenes collaboratively by writing a few lines of dialogue and passing the scene over to the next person, who then continues the dialogue. The process continues, with each writer moving the action forward, until the scene comes to a conclusive end.  One Allotted Hour of Entertainment featured 15 such collaboratively written scenes.

One Allotted Hour of Entertainment featured Jaime Lee Currier, Ricardo Delgado, Mike Drummey, Jeff Simmons and David Blais. Original music performed by Tyler Theofilos

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