DOC NYC features four new sections for 2014. The first, Centerstage, focuses on performance:
DOC NYC Centerstage
CAPTURING GRACE
Director: David Iverson
NYC PREMIERE
Recognizing that music and rhythmic activity can help those suffering from Parkinson’s disease achieve greater control of their mobility, two dancers from New York’s Mark Morris Dance Group lead a dance workshop.
Expected to attend: David Iverson, film subject David Leventhal
THE LAST IMPRESARIO
Director: Gracie Otto
NYC PREMIERE
From THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW to MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL, producer Michael White has helped bring enduring cultural touchstones to Broadway, London’s West End, and the silver screen over the last four decades, but the bon vivant may be the most famous person you’ve never heard of.
Expected to attend: Gracie Otto, producer Nicole O’Donohue, other special guests
STILL DREAMING (pictured above)
Directors: Hank Rogerson & Jilann Spitzmiller
WORLD PREMIERE
Located just outside of Manhattan, the Lillian Booth Actors Home provides a most resonant setting for the staging of a Shakespearean play in which nothing is what it seems.
Expected to attend: Hank Rogerson, Jilann Spitzmiller, select film subjects
US, NAKED: TRIXIE & MONKEY
Director: Kirsten D’Andrea Hollander
WORLD PREMIERE
A pair of acrobatic burlesque performers attempt to juggle art, love and financial stability in this perceptive portrait.
Expected to attend: Kirsten D’Andrea Hollander, producer Scot Hollander, film subjects Trixie Little and The Evil Hate Monkey
Why You Should Attend:
This new section celebrates performers and those behind the scene that make their work possible. Representing the worlds of dance, theatre, and burlesque, these films will impress fans and newcomers alike. For the latter, here’s some additional background:
The Mark Morris Dance Group was founded in 1980 by acclaimed choreographer and dancer Mark Morris. The Dance for PD program featured in David Iverson’s film began in 2001, offering free classes as well as a training program for dance teachers. Its original leaders, featured in the film, David Leventhal and John Heginbotham, were with MMDG between 1997-2010 and 1998-2012, respectively.
In his five decades in show business, Michael White has produced over 100 plays or musicals and nearly 30 feature films. The Tony Award winner was behind the original production of The Rocky Horror Show and its infamous, cult-classic film adaptation; brought A Chorus Line, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Annie to the West End; and counts POLYESTER, EAT THE RICH, and MY DINNER WITH ANDRE among his film credits.
This isn’t Hank Rogerson and Jilann Spitzmiller first time filming the Bard; their previous documentary, SHAKESPEARE BEHIND BARS, followed Kentucky prison inmates in a production of The Tempest, and debuted at Sundance in 2005. The Lillian Booth Actors Home is operated by the Actors Fund in Englewood NJ, and was originally opened in 1902. The residents featured in the film include former members of the Actors Studio and the New York City Opera, with credits including the original Broadway productions of 42nd St, Damn Yankees, Mame, and Guys & Dolls, among others.
Trixie & Monkey, performing their unique brand of circus burlesque since 2002, have regularly appeared at NYC venues like The Slipper Room, Hotel Chantelle, and Galapagos, as well as at special events like the New York Burlesque Festival, various Fringe Festivals, and even on AMERICA’S GOT TALENT.
More Info:
To purchase tickets, click on the individual titles above, and follow links for ticketing; or check out the new options for Passes.
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