A Part of the Noise
A staged reading of a new play about abstract expressionist painter Franz Kline
Franz Kline (1910 - 1962) - American abstract expressionist painter • photographed by Peter A. Juley & Son, Smithsonian American Art Museum
Helltown Players, Forum 24 and the Provincetown Art Gallery Association proudly presents a staged reading of “A Part of the Noise,” a new play exploring the life of the renowned American painter, Franz Kline. Written by his nephew, Carl Kline, this fresh narrative provides an intimate look at the artist's life, shedding light on the complexities and passions of the man behind the iconic black-and-white abstractions. The event is scheduled for Sunday, August 11, at 7:00 PM at the Provincetown Theatre, located at 238 Bradford Street, Provincetown, MA.
An Inside Look into a Famous Painter’s Life
Carl Kline, an MFA graduate in theater and an eclectic professional with a diverse background, brings a deeply personal touch to the play. He approaches his uncle’s story with a commitment to authenticity, promising a portrayal rich with emotional depth and integrity. The narrative unfolds in 1959, capturing Franz Kline’s vibrant personality and artistic journey, with scenes that feel as if Franz himself penned them. The play offers audiences a unique opportunity to witness Kline's world, filled with intellect, humor, and an unwavering love for art.
Notable Cape Actors / Notable Roles
The reading, directed by Lynda Sturner, features a talented cast of Cape Cod actors portraying some of America’s most celebrated cultural icons of the last century, including Willem de Kooning, Jack Kerouac, Jackson Pollock and others. “A Part of the Noise” offers a rare behind-the-scenes examination of Kline’s personal life and highlights the dynamic exchanges and conflicts that defined his brilliant career.
Cast
Provincetown Artist - in 1959 Franz Kline purchased a shed on Cottage Street in Provincetown that he used for several years as his studio.
Franz Kline - Billy Hough
Sydney Janis - Steve Ross
John the Bartender- Paul E. Halley
Artie Mandelbaum - Joe MacDougall
Jerry - Steve Myerson
Willem de Kooning - Beau Jackett
Joan Mitchell - Laura Shabott
Grace Hartigan - Jadah Carroll
Annie - Missy Potash
Elizabeth Parsons Kline - Sara Fitzpatrick
Jack Kerouac - Elliott Sicard
David Amram - To be announced
Jackson Pollock - To be announced
Dr. Robert Fenneman - Stuard Derrick
Dr. Marsh - Jody O’Neil
Ben Shaw - To be announced
David Dibbs - Nicholas Dorr
Robert Motherwell - Lise Motherwell
Details:
Carl Kline - Playwright
A Part of the Noise
A reading of a two-act play by Carl Kline
Directed by Lynda Sturner
Sunday, August 11 at 7:00 PM
The Provincetown Theater
238 Bradford Street, Provincetown, MA 02657
Tickets:
$40 Includes a ticket to the reading
$80 Includes a ticket to the reading and admission to an after-show reception at the Berta Walker Gallery
Lynda Sturner - Director
Proceeds will support Helltown Players and the Provincetown Art Gallery Association, funding future productions and programs.
Forum 24 and the Provincetown Art Gallery Association
In celebration of the 75th anniversary of Forum 49, a seminal event in the history of modern art, the Provincetown Art Gallery Association is hosting a series of events throughout the summer. The Forum 49 gathering was a pivotal moment for avant-garde artists, including abstract expressionists, musicians, and poets. This summer's events aim to honor the legacy of these cultural pioneers and explore their enduring influence on the art world.
Helltown Players
Helltown Players is a collaborative of dramatists and theatre enthusiasts from the Outer Cape whose mission is to produce new plays written by Cape Cod playwrights. Founded in the Spring of 2023 by eight playwrights and theatre enthusiasts with Outer Cape connections, Helltown Players is a registered Massachusetts nonprofit corporation and is a registered tax-exempt nonprofit under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRS).
