New Play by RVCC Professor Receives Reading at the Actors Studio
A staged reading of The Antiquity of Hank, a new play by Raritan Valley Community College Professor of Theatre Dennis Russo, was held February 16 at the Actors Studio in New York City. The staged reading, which was part of the Playwrights/Directors Unit, was under the direction of Amanda Moresco. It featured a cast of professional actors from stage and film, including Scott McCord as Hank, Sayra Player as Elle, and Javier Molina as Esteban. The reading was moderated by playwright Lyle Kessler (Orphans).
The Antiquity of Hank is about a successful stand-up comic who is cancelled and forced to re-evaluate his “third act” in life. The eccentric narcissist, Hank Watters, finally starts to engage in the lives of his children, Lilah, a socially aware high schooler, and Daniel, his high-functioning autistic son, who is beginning a relationship with a disabled young woman, Natalie. The two met while he was volunteering at a local school/center. The play is an examination of change or lack thereof in a world that is in transition.
According to Russo, the response was positive and the play will move forward in the development process. After some revisions are made to the play, another staged reading for the public will be held this spring.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 24, 2022
