A Part of the Noise
a reading of a new play
by Carl Kline

Sunday, August 11, 2024 at 7:00pm
The Provincetown Theater
Reception at Berta Walker Gallery following the show. (Admission requires reception ticket)
Co-produced by: Helltown Players, Provincetown Art Gallery Association, and Forum 24

A Part of the Noise is approximately 2 hours in duration. • There will be one ten-minute intermission. • Please silence personal devices before the show begins. • No recording of any kind is permitted during the show.

A Part of the Noise

Written by Carl Kline
Directed by Lynda Sturner
Co-produced by Berta Walker, Grace Hopkins, Cid Bolduc, and Helltown Players

Cast:

Billy Hough as Franz Kline
Steve Ross as Sydney Janis
Joe MacDougall as Artie Mandelbaum
Sara Fitzpatrick as Elizabeth Parsons Kline
Paul E. Halley as John
Steve Myerson as Jerry
Missy Potash as Annie
Beau Jackett as Willem de Kooning
Laura Shabott as Joan Mitchell
Lynda Sturner as Grace Hartigan
Elliott Sicard as Jack Kerouac
Ian Leahy as David Amram & Jackson Pollock
Stuard Derrick as Dr. Robert Fenneman & Ben Shaw
Nicholas Dorr as Dr. Marsh & David Dobbs
Lise Motherwell as Robert Motherwell
Debbie Nadolney as Woman #1
Grace Hopkins as Woman #2
Cid Bolduc as Woman #3
David Chick as Man #1
Kaya Fitzpatrick as Narrator

Production Team:

Racine Oxtoby - Stage Manager / Board Operator
Sami Parazin - Technical Consultant
Jim Dalglish - Producer / Marketing Consultant

Special Thanks…

David Drake, Gary Garrison, and the Provincetown Theater
Berta Walker, Grace Hopkins & Cid Bolduc
Helltown Players Trustees - Jim Dalglish, Lynda Sturner, Ian Ryan, Fermin Rojas, Meryl Cohn, Margaret Van Sant, John Dennis Anderson, and Gary Garrison (Trustee Emeritus)
Berta Walker Gallery

Dedication…

This play is for Franz and all those who supported him and never gave up on their dreams. - Carl Kline

Playwright’s Note

My research for “A Part of the Noise” started in the early '90s at the Los Angeles Library, where I spent a great deal of time piecing together conversations and write-ups about my uncle. After returning to New Jersey, I was able to interview artists who knew Franz. I had the good fortune to meet Grace Hopkins, whose father Bud Hopkins was friends with Franz and she was influential in bringing this play to Provincetown.

Franz had a summer home in Provincetown that served as a summer studio and it is a vital part of the artistic history of the Outer Cape. I wrote “A Part of the Noise” to make the public better aware of Franz Kline’s significance in the art world and to recognize the artists, musicians, and writers who were an important part of his life. I was especially impressed by their comradely support for each other.

About Franz Kline

Franz Kline was an American Abstract Expressionist painter renowned for his powerful, gestural brushstrokes and dramatic black-and-white compositions. Born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Kline's early life was marked by tragedy, with his father’s suicide and a turbulent family environment shaping his formative years. Despite these challenges, he pursued art, studying at Boston University and the Heatherley School of Fine Art in London.

Elizabeth Vincent Parsons

In 1938, Kline married Elizabeth Vincent Parsons, a British ballet dancer, whose elegance and poise contrasted with Kline's intense, energetic persona. Their marriage was tumultuous, often strained by Kline's dedication to his art and his turbulent personal life.

Celebrated Friends & Colleagues

Kline became a central figure in the New York art scene of the 1950s and 60s, forming close bonds with fellow Abstract Expressionists such as Willem de Kooning and Jackson Pollock. His work was often exhibited alongside these luminaries, and he shared their interest in exploring the subconscious through bold, spontaneous expression. Kline’s friendship with Robert Motherwell was particularly significant, with both artists influencing each other's work and contributing to the intellectual vibrancy of the era.

Literary World

Beyond the visual arts, Kline was connected to the literary world, befriending writers like Jack Kerouac and poets such as Allen Ginsberg. These relationships enriched Kline's artistic vision, as he found inspiration in the rebellious spirit and innovative ideas of the Beat Generation. His paintings, characterized by their dynamic energy and raw emotion, reflect the creative ferment of his time.

Legacy

Kline's legacy as a pioneering Abstract Expressionist endures, his work continuing to inspire and challenge contemporary artists. His life, marked by personal and professional tumult, remains a testament to the enduring power of artistic innovation.

"Franz Kline is a painter of enormous originality and power... his paintings are monuments to the act of painting itself." - Harold Rosenberg, Art Critic
"Kline's work is a demonstration of strength and energy, revealing the essential rhythm and structure of his personal vision." - Robert Motherwell, artist

The Impact of American Abstract Expressionism

American Abstract Expressionism emerged in the late 1940s and early 1950s, primarily in New York City, marking a significant departure from traditional European art forms and establishing the United States as a center of the modern art world. This movement was characterized by its emphasis on spontaneous, automatic, or subconscious creation. It was profoundly influenced by the horrors of World War II and the desire for a new form of expression that could capture the complexities of the modern human experience. Pioneering artists such as Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, Mark Rothko, and Franz Kline became the leading figures of this movement, each developing their unique styles that emphasized bold, gestural brushstrokes, and a profound engagement with the canvas as an arena for action.

Break with Tradition

The revolutionary aspect of Abstract Expressionism lay in its break from traditional art forms and its emphasis on the act of painting as a primary focus. Unlike the structured and often meticulous techniques seen in earlier abstract movements, such as Cubism or Futurism, Abstract Expressionism was about conveying emotion and spontaneity. Pollock's drip paintings, for instance, involved pouring and splattering paint onto canvases laid on the floor, a method that defied conventional approaches and underscored the movement's emphasis on process over product. This approach was also a stark contrast to the more geometric and formal abstract art seen in European movements like De Stijl or Russian Constructivism.

Kline’s Unique Approach

Franz Kline took a slightly different approach from his colleagues. While many of his paintings suggests unrestrained artistic spontaneity, Kline’s process was more methodical. According to the Metropolitan Museum of Art's website, Kline "typically began with a sketch, which he projected onto a wall, transforming simple lines into magnified abstract forms, and then replicated in paint."

Global Impact

The impact of Abstract Expressionism was profound and far-reaching. It not only redefined the boundaries of what art could be but also shifted the center of the art world from Paris to New York City. This movement opened up new possibilities for artists to explore their inner psyches and to use their art as a means of personal and emotional expression. Moreover, it influenced a wide range of subsequent art movements, including Minimalism, Conceptual Art, and Neo-Expressionism, establishing a legacy that continues to shape contemporary art. The boldness and innovation of American Abstract Expressionism underscored the transformative power of art in reflecting and shaping the human experience, making it a pivotal chapter in art history.

More About Franz Kline and “A Part of the Noise”

For more informaiton about Franz and Carl Kline and the birth of “A Part of the Noise,” check out this excellent article by Artist / Playwright / Producer John Greiner-Ferris: Franz Kline's Nephew Wrote A Play About Franz Kline...and an artist gets his wings

The Cedar Tavern

The Cedar Tavern, located in Greenwich Village, NYC, was a legendary gathering place for artists, writers, and intellectuals during the mid-20th century. Established in the 1860s, it gained iconic status in the 1940s and 1950s as the unofficial headquarters of the Abstract Expressionist movement. Artists like Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, Franz Kline, and Mark Rothko frequented the Cedar Tavern, engaging in passionate discussions about art, philosophy, and politics. The tavern’s convivial and bohemian atmosphere fostered creative exchange and camaraderie, making it a crucible for innovation and collaboration.

The Cedar Tavern’s role in the American art scene was pivotal, serving as a space where new ideas flourished and where the boundaries of modern art were continually pushed and redefined. The Cedar Tavern changed locations several times throughout its history and eventually closed its doors in 2006. Despite its closure, it remains a symbol of the vibrant and transformative artistic community of Greenwich Village.

The Provincetown Connection

Provincetown, Massachusetts, served as an essential artistic haven for several notable 20th-century artists and writers, including Franz Kline, Robert Motherwell, Joan Mitchell, Grace Hartigan, Jack Kerouac, and Allen Ginsberg. In 1959 Franz Kline purchased a home that is now the Kensington Gardens Condominium. He used as his studio a boat house at the rear of the property at 16 Mechanic Street.

The Place to Be

Motherwell spent summers in Provincetown, where his studio (633 Commercial Street) became a hub for artistic exchange. Joan Mitchell and Grace Hartigan were drawn to Provincetown’s natural beauty and artistic vitality, which deeply influenced their abstract works. Beat Generation writers like Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg found Provincetown's bohemian atmosphere and openness ideal for their avant-garde literature and countercultural activities.

The Characters of the Play

Elizabeth Vincent Parsons Kline

Elizabeth Vincent Parsons Kline was a British ballet dancer and the wife of American Abstract Expressionist painter Franz Kline. Born in the early 20th century, Parsons brought grace and poise to her performances, captivating audiences with her elegance. She married Kline in 1938, and their relationship was marked by both intense passion and tumult, often strained by Kline's dedication to his art and personal struggles. Despite these challenges, Parsons remained a significant figure in Kline's life, influencing his emotional and artistic journey. Her connection to the vibrant art world of mid-20th-century New York added a unique dimension to her life and legacy.

Elaine de Kooning and her husband, Willem, photograph by Hans Namuth, 1952.

Willem de Kooning

Willem de Kooning (1904–1997) was a Dutch-American Abstract Expressionist artist known for his vigorous, expressive brushwork and dynamic compositions. Born in Rotterdam, de Kooning immigrated to the United States in 1926. He became a key figure in the New York art scene, contributing significantly to the Abstract Expressionist movement. His famous works include the "Woman" series, which combines abstraction and figuration. De Kooning's innovative style and intense, often controversial, subject matter cemented his place as a leading artist of the 20th century. He continued to paint prolifically until Alzheimer's disease curtailed his career.

"Willem de Kooning is an artist whose work eludes the merely formal analysis and whose statements on art are as dense and physical as his paintings." From "Willem de Kooning" by Thomas B. Hess

Jackson Pollock

Jackson Pollock (1912–1956) was an influential American painter and a leading force in the Abstract Expressionist movement. Born in Cody, Wyoming, Pollock revolutionized modern art with his drip painting technique, where he poured and splattered paint onto canvases laid on the floor. This method created intricate, energetic works that broke conventional boundaries. Pollock's intense, often chaotic personal life, marked by struggles with alcoholism, paralleled his revolutionary artistic approach. His most famous works, like "No. 5, 1948," showcase his dynamic style. Pollock's untimely death in a car accident at age 44 only amplified his legendary status.

"Pollock’s 'drip' paintings, created between 1947 and 1950, constitute the most original body of work in American art of the century." From "Clement Greenberg: The Collected Essays and Criticism, Vol. 4"

Joan Mitchell

Joan Mitchell (1925–1992) was a major American Abstract Expressionist painter, known for her vibrant, emotionally charged canvases. Born in Chicago, Mitchell studied at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and moved to New York, becoming a central figure in the New York School. Her work is characterized by its lyrical abstraction and intense color. Mitchell spent much of her later life in France, where she continued to develop her style and received significant acclaim. Her paintings often drew inspiration from nature and poetry, reflecting her deep engagement with the landscape and emotional expression.

"Joan Mitchell’s work conveys a raw and energetic emotion, capturing the wildness of nature in her abstract forms." From Linda Nochlin, Art Historian, From an interview in "Artforum," 1974

Jack Kerouac

Jack Kerouac (1922–1969) was an American novelist and poet, a central figure of the Beat Generation. Born in Lowell, Massachusetts, Kerouac's stream-of-consciousness writing style and spontaneous prose captured the spirit of postwar America. His seminal work, "On the Road," chronicled his travels across the country and became a defining text of the Beat movement. Kerouac's themes of freedom, rebellion, and spiritual quest resonated with a generation seeking new values and experiences. Despite his literary success, Kerouac struggled with alcoholism and died at the age of 47, leaving a lasting legacy on American literature.

"Kerouac opened a million coffee bars and sold a million pairs of Levis to both sexes, and made America forget itself." From "Spontaneous Mind: Selected Interviews, 1958-1996" by Allen Ginsberg

Grace Hartigan

Grace Hartigan (1922–2008) was a leading American Abstract Expressionist painter whose work bridged abstraction and figuration. Born in Newark, New Jersey, Hartigan was self-taught and emerged as a prominent artist in the New York School. Her vibrant, dynamic paintings often incorporated elements of pop culture, literature, and mythology. Hartigan's art challenged traditional gender roles, and she was one of the few female artists to gain recognition in a male-dominated field. Her legacy includes both her innovative artistic contributions and her role as an influential teacher at the Maryland Institute College of Art.

"Grace Hartigan’s paintings reflect the ongoing adventure of the American spirit, linking the immediacy of action painting with the clarity of vision." From "Art Chronicles 1954-1966" by Frank O’Hara, poet

David Amram

David Amram (b. 1930) is an American composer, conductor, and multi-instrumentalist, celebrated for his eclectic musical style. Born in Philadelphia, Amram's career spans classical, jazz, folk, and world music. He collaborated with notable figures such as Jack Kerouac, with whom he pioneered the concept of jazz poetry. Amram composed scores for films like "Splendor in the Grass" and "The Manchurian Candidate" and was the first composer-in-residence for the New York Philharmonic. His adventurous spirit and commitment to musical diversity have made him a significant figure in American music.

"David Amram is one of the most versatile and skilled musicians I’ve ever known, capable of playing anything and blending it all into a cohesive and unique sound." From "On the Road with Jack Kerouac" by David Amram

Sydney Janis

Sydney Janis (1896–1989) was a prominent American art dealer and gallery owner, influential in promoting Abstract Expressionism and later Pop Art. Born in New York City, Janis initially worked in the garment industry before turning to the art world. His gallery, the Sydney Janis Gallery, became a leading venue for contemporary art, showcasing works by artists such as Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, and later, Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein. Janis was known for his keen eye for talent and his ability to shape art trends, making significant contributions to the mid-20th-century art scene.

"Sydney Janis was a pioneer, always on the lookout for new and groundbreaking artists. His vision helped shape the contemporary art scene." From "The Philosophy of Andy Warhol: From A to B and Back Again"

Robert Motherwell

Robert Motherwell (1915–1991) was an American painter, printmaker, and writer, instrumental in the Abstract Expressionist movement. Born in Aberdeen, Washington, Motherwell was highly intellectual, studying at Stanford, Harvard, and Columbia. He brought a philosophical and literary depth to his art, often exploring themes of existentialism and the human condition. Motherwell's "Elegy to the Spanish Republic" series, characterized by bold, black forms against stark backgrounds, is among his most celebrated works. His role as a teacher and editor also helped shape the direction of postwar American art, influencing countless artists and thinkers. Motherwell died at his home in Provincetown on July 16, 1991.

"Motherwell brought a rare intellectual vigor to the Abstract Expressionist movement, infusing it with his deep engagement with literature, philosophy, and politics." From "The New York School: A Cultural Reckoning" by Dore Ashton

The Cast & Production Team
(in alphabetical order by last name)

Cid Bolduc

Cid Bolduc (Producer / Woman #3)
Bolduc came to Provincetown on a painting grant in the early 1980's,and found a forever home. Her work has been exhibited at several local galleries, going on to collections around the world. She has been on staff at the Provincetown Art Association & Museum, the Fine Arts Work Center, and Castle Hill/Truro Center For the Arts. Teaching gave her memorable fulfillment, despite having resisted her mother's advise to teach for many years. Bolduc is currently represented by Four Eleven Gallery in Provincetown and is preparing for a two person exhibit with Hilda Neily in March 2025 in St Petersburg, Fl

David Chick (Man #1)
Stay tuned for David’s bio…

Jim Dalglish (Producer / Marketing Consultant)
Jim is a playwright, director, filmmaker, and producer with more than 30 plays and films to his credit. These works have been produced and screened around the world and have won awards in New York, Boston, London, and Dublin. A few of his plays have been anthologized in best play collections. Jim has directed more than two dozen theatrical productions, five of which he also independently produced. He has been employed by a variety of theaters in New England as a managing director, marketing director, and box office manager. Jim is the President and Producing Artistic Director of Helltown Players, a new theatrical collaborative with a goal to produce works written by Cape Cod playwrights. Jim has a master’s degree in creative writing/playwriting from Brown University. His thesis advisor was Paula Vogel. When he isn’t busy writing, directing, or producing plays and films, he and his husband Rob Phelps enjoy sailing Delphina – their 17-foot O’Day Daysailer – along the sheltered harbors of New England.

Stuard M. Derrick

Stuard M. Derrick (Dr. Fenneman & Ben Shaw)
Stuard has appeared in over 40 productions on the Cape, as well as close to 100 readings that he has acted in or directed. He studied English at Columbia Univeristy, where he also wrote for the student newspaper,"The Spectator," and acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, NYC; the Summer Shakespeare intensive at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, London; and the Harvard Shakespeare Workshop. Favorite Roles: Norman, "The Dresser" (Orleans Playhouse, Favorite Actor and Production, "Cape Cod Times"), Siegfried Sassoon, "Not About Heroes" (PTC, Best Actor nomination, Evelyn Lawson Awards), Quentin, "Small Craft Warnings" (Provincetown Tennessee Williams Festival). He produced and directed the Eugene O'Neill 100th Anniversary celebrations at various venues around town, and has conducted popular Acting Shakespeare workshops in Ptown and Orleans.

Nicholas Dorr (Dr. Marsh & David Dobbs)
Nicholas Dorr has enjoyed a long career as an actor, director, and set designer. He has worked on and off Broadway, in Regional Theatre, Television and film. He is featured in recent the films, “The Black Emperor” of Broadway and “The Art Thief.” Since moving to the Cape he has worked at all the major theaters here in one capacity or another including serving as resident designer at the Cape Playhouse. Nick has recently appeared as Joe Keller in “All My Sons” at Eventide Theatre.

Kaya Fitzpatrick (Narrator)
This is Kaya’s first Provincetown production. Kaya started acting with Brooklyn Acting Lab at age 7 and played the roles of Annie in “Annie,” Wendy in “Peter Pan,” Maisie in “Seussical” and Jack in “Into the Woods!” Favorite high school roles at Buffalo Seminary School include Sir Andrew Aguecheek in “Twelfth Night” and Tinkerbell in “Tinkerbell.” Kaya is heading to New Zealand this fall to begin her Gap year and will attend SUNY New Paltz Theatre Program in the fall of 2025. Thank you, Lynda!

Sara Fitzpatrick (Elizabeth Parsons Kline)
Sara is thrilled to be a part of this amazing local cast and reading. She was most recently seen as Mildred in “The Fantasticks” and Sugar in “Tiny Beautiful Things” at the Provincetown Theatre. She has starred in many of Meryl Cohn's Women Week productions, Counter Productions' “The Full Monty” (Georgie), “Bingo!” (Honey), “Wonder of the World” (Lois) and “Kimberly Akimbo” (Pattie). Sara played the lead role of Coach Reid in the Off Broadway production of “Girl Gone” at the ActorsTemple. She is a graduate of HB Studio's Hagen Core Program. Sara is honored to share the stage with her daughter, Kaya, for the first time this evening.

Paul E. Halley (John)
Stay tuned for Paul E.’s bio…

Grace Hopkins (Producer / Woman #2)
Grace Hopkins is a Wellfleet artist, parent, and educator. She is also the steward of the estates of artist Budd Hopkins and art historian April Kingsley: her parents. She earned a BFA in photography from the School of the Fine Arts and Tufts University and has guided the art world for two decades with positions in museums, academics, and galleries. Her innovative photography has been exhibited widely on the Cape and elsewhere. She is the director of the Berta Walker Gallery in Provincetown, and is on the steering committee of the Provincetown Art Gallery Association and the board of The Provincetown Art Association and Museum.

Billy Hough (Franz Kline)
Billy first came to Provincetown in the late 90’s with Ryan Landry and the Gold Dust Orphans, and started Scream Along with Billy with Susan Goldberg in 2006. He collaborated with Goldberg and author, Meryl Cohn, on the musical, “Insatiable Hunger,” and played the title roles in “Amadeus,” “Hamlet,” and “Krapp’s Last Tape.” He teaches a course on “Ulysses” every winter, and gives local tours of Provincetown’s dirty and brilliant past. He spent a year as a studio assistant to the artist, Raymond Pettibon.

Beau Jackett

Beau Jackett (Willem de Kooning)
Beau Jackett is thrilled to be part of Helltown Players’ “A Part of the Noise.” Appearing in many local productions up and down the Cape, Beau was most recently seen as Stacee Jaxx in “Rock of Ages” at the Academy Playhouse. Previously, he appeared as Frank Hardy in Sailor Beware's production of “Faith Healer,” Drs. Fine/Madden in the Eventide production of “Next to Normal,” and El Gallo in Provincetown Theater’s re-imagined classic “The Fantasticks.” Some favorite roles include Steven Kodaly in “She Loves Me,” George in “Of Mice and Men,” Billy Bigelow in “Carousel,” Marius in “Les Misérables,” the Stage Manager in “Our Town,” the Emcee in “Cabaret,” and George Bailey in “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play.” Beau has been recognized as a favorite by Cape Cod Times reviewers for his performances in 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2019. He studied at Emerson College, works for the Town of Provincetown as the IT Director, and lives in Truro with his son Cole and his daughter Lucie.

Carl Kline (Playwright)
After nine and a half years working with the Soil Conservation Service, Carl became involved in acting and wound up in Los Angeles where he started writing poetry. He did this because he thought that he had something to say. Since then, acting and writing have been like two slow horses limping neck and neck, pulling his many jobs and his imagination along with them. Writing won. To date, writing has spawned a cookbook, “The Cookbook for Actors and Other Survivors,” a book of fiction, “Blue Collar Kids,” a play, “A Part of the Noise,” and his new book of poems, “On My Sleeve.” This play is for Franz and all those who supported him and never gave up on their dreams.

Ian Leahy (David Amram & Jackson Pollock)
Stay tuned for Ian’s bio…

Joe MacDougall (Artie Mandelbaum)
Joe recently appeared as Roy Cohn in “Angels In America” at Provincetown Theater. Other recent credits include “Still Waiting For Lefty” (NYC) “Quickies” (Provincetown) “Jerker” (Provincetown) “Faith Healer” (Provincetown) “Eleanor Rigby Is Waiting” (NYC) “The Maids” (Provincetown) “The Normal Heart” (Provincetown) Film: “Chrissy Judy,” “The Cocktail Hour,” “The Breeding,” “The Ninth Step,” TV: “Pandora’s Box,” “All My Children.”

Lise Motherwell (Robert Motherwell)
Lise Motherwell, PhD, PsyD is a licensed psychologist, and President of the Board of Provincetown Art Association and Museum (PAAM) and the Chair of the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation. Lise spent her formative years in a household of artists: her father, Robert Motherwell, her stepmother Helen Frankenthaler, and her sister, Jeannie Motherwell. Surrounded by numerous creative minds and immersed in the New York art world, she developed a passion for travel, art history and museums. In 2012, Lise co-curated with Daniel Ranalli “Beside the Sea,” an exhibition of her father’s work and in 2018, co-curated with Elizabeth Smith a show of Helen Frankenthaler's work titled “Abstract Climates: Helen Frankenthaler” in Provincetown at PAAM, which traveled to the Parrish Museum in 2019. She has written articles and essays on various artists, including Helen Frankenthaler, Anne-Marie Levine, Robert Motherwell, and Tabitha Vevers.

Steve Myerson (Jerry)
Steve Myerson is a playwright, director, and actor whose plays have been staged in CA, CT, IL, MA, NY, and RI. On the Cape, his plays have been seen at the 24 Hour Plays (Provincetown Theater), the Barnstable Comedy Club’s Playwright Festival, and for Sailor Beware’s series of monologues at WHAT. In 2020, his lyrical, political satire,”TO THE EXTREME!,” received a Winter Read at Provincetown Theater. He has performed his spoken word poetry at open-mics at FAWC, the Writers Voice Cafe, the Coffeehouse at the MEWS, for “Reading Local” (Provincetown Book Festival), and for “Adventures in Art and Entertainment — The Making of a Poet” (Federated Church of Orleans). As an actor, he premiered his solo-show, “LOST LOVE POEMS,” at the 2022 Providence Fringe Festival (Wilbury Theatre Group, RI), has appeared in a reading of “The Playground” by Jim Dalglish, and in readings of “The Boathouse” by Will Hildreth and “Fatty Pastrami” by Julia Salinger for the Truro Playwright Collective. He can be spotted in seasons 1 and 2 of “The Gilded Age” (HBO Max).

Debbie Nadolney (Woman #1)
Stay tuned for Debbie’s bio…

Racine Oxtoby (Stage Manager / Board Operator)
Racine Oxtoby is a Truro native who enjoys writing plays based on historical events. Her play “Funtimes in Babylon,” about the Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle manslaughter trials, premiered as a staged reading at the Provincetown Theater in 2023. She has written for the 24-Hour Theater Festival three times. She is also a local actress, having recently appeared in “Casa Valentina,” “Mae West’s The Drag,” and “The Glass Menagerie,” all at the Provincetown Theater. Her new original play “Lara: A Love Story” is scheduled to have its debut reading November 16 at the Truro Public Library. As her day job, Racine is the outreach coordinator at the Wellfleet Public Library.

Sami Parazin (Technical Consultant)
Stay tuned for Sami’s bio…

Missy Potash

Missy Potash (Annie)
Missy Potash studied at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, and The Edge Dance Studio, in LA. A veteran on the stage, some of her favorite roles have been: Blanche in APA's "A Streetcar Named Desire", Echo in "Eleemosynary" at Cotuit, Meg in "Crimes of The Heart", Sally Bowles in "Cabaret", Corrie Bratter in The Neil Simon Festival's production of "Barefoot in the Park", Brooke in "Noises Off!" and She in "Stage Kiss". In addition, Missy has showcased her talent across both film and radio. Some of her favorite film credits, which have also garnered awards are, Angie in "Unicorn City", the title character of Mother in "An Evening with My Comatose Mother" and the short film "Pictures", by Jumping The Green Productions, which has received over 6 million views on YouTube. And her radio show, The Live Request Show with DJ Missy-Miss, broke records in ratings for a consecutive 3 years. She is honored and excited to portray Annie in Part of The Noise and thanks her husband and 3 boys for their love and support.

Steve Ross

Steve Ross (Sydney Janis)
Steve Ross has been directing and performing on Cape Cod stages since 2008. Favorite directing credits include “Next to Normal”, Aaron Sorkin’s “To Kill A Mockingbird”, “The Last Five Years”, “Educating Rita” (Eventide Theatre), “Of Mice and Men”, “Rabbit Hole”, “Arsenic & Old Lace”, “God of Carnage” (Cotuit Center for the Arts), among others. Favorite acting credits, “1776” (Hancock), “Treasure Island” (Long John Silver), “It’s a Wonderful Life Radio Drama” (George Bailey), “12 Angry Men” (Juror #8), “Company” (Harry), “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” (McMurphy), “Gypsy” (Herbie), “Sweet Charity” (Daddy Brubeck), “Hello Dolly” (Horace Vandegelder) @ Cotuit Center, “Three Penny Opera” (Macheath), “A Little Night Music” (Count Magnus), “The Little Prince” (The Aviator), “Into the Woods” (Narrator/Mysterious Man) @ Eventide Theatre, “Lost in Yonkers” (Louis), “South Pacific” (Luther Billis), “Nuts” (MacMillan) @ Barnstable Comedy Club, among many others. When not involved in a show, Steve can usually be found on the beach, a disc golf course or in search of the best Cape Cod lobster roll.

Laura Shabott (Joan Mitchell)
Laura Shabott moved to Provincetown in 1995. After working the front desk of the infamous Boatslip Resort, and bartending at the storied Governor Bradford, she became an assistant at Berta Walker Gallery. An SMFA at TUFTS graduate, this experience led her to return to a full-time studio practice creating paintings, collages, and drawings. She is included in ANCHORS, with her series I am Here, showing alongside Forum 24 co-chair Grace Hopkins and many others in celebration of Berta Walker Gallery’s 35th year. The exhibition is an acknowledgement to all the “anchors” of BWG opening August 16 to September 7. Acting for Shabott is a consummate passion and it thrills her to be an artist who also acts. Her 2001-7 roles include Bunny in “The House Of Blue Leaves” directed by Patrick Falco at the PTC and the 2013-14 Tennessee Williams Festivals as Frederika performing the role “In the Summer House” directed by David Kaplan. Shabott will become Lee Krasner in “Lee and Tennessee,” directed by David Kaplan, a one hour, one time performance of Krasner collaging and actors reading collaged works by Williams on Saturday, September 14th, at the Fine Arts Work Center, 4pm, as part of Forum 24.

Elliott Sicard

Elliott Sicard (Jack Kerouac)
Elliott Sicard has been working in theater both on and off the stage for over two decades. After attending Walnut Hill and Broadway Theater Project to study theater, Elliott continued his education at UMass. Since earning his B.A. in theater, he has done most of his work at Cotuit Center for the Arts. Some past roles include Burt in “Mary Poppins,” Brick in “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” Roat in “Wait Until Dark,” and the Sergeant of Police in “The Pirates of Penzance.” He’s excited to be a part of something new in Provincetown and hopes it’s the start of even more.

Lynda Sturner

Lynda Sturner (Producer / Director / Grace Hartigan)
Lynda’s acting credits include; 1964 Broadway in “Oliver,” off-Broadway 1970 and “Little Mary Sunshine” in Holyoke MA 1962, “The Effects of Gamma Rays on Man-In-the-Moon Marigolds,” Off Broadway. Provincetown: “The Food Chain,” “The Tale of the Allergists Wife,” 7 Meryl Cohn plays, Ryan Landry’s “The Gulls,” “A Perfect Ganesh” and “The Effects of Gamma Rays…” - this time playing the Beatrice, the mother. and winning The Cape Cod Times one of the best Actor’s Award. She also won the Eve Gore Booth Award at the Dublin Gay International Theater Festival for performance in “Super -Lubricated,” a play she wrote with Jim Dalglish. Lynda’s play’s have been produced in New York, Dublin, Toyoko, Valdez, Alaska and Cape Cod. “A Talented Woman,” written with Jim Dalglish won the Kaplan Prize at Eventide Arts and was produced at Cotuit Center For the Arts. Her plays include “Remote Control,” “Oatmeal,” “The Death of Huey Newton” and “Look What You Made Me Do” was produced in Dublin and Provincetown in Quickies. She was a member of the Actors Studio Playwrights Unit, The Woman’s Project workshop and the BMI Musical Theater Workshop. She is currently a member of Helltown Players, a new theater group of Cape Cod playwrights. She was the founder and Artist Director at Playwright’s Forum in New York and Artistic Director at The Provincetown Rep. She worked as a journalist at TheaterMania, The Provincetown Banner and the Provincetown Independent. She is currently working on a full length play, “No Show Baby.” Lynda received a BFA from Boston University’s Theater School in 1963.

About the Co-Producers

FORUM 24

Remembering Forum 49:
The 75th Anniversary
Sponsored by the Provincetown Art Gallery Association
Cid Bolduc / Grace Hopkins Co-Chairs

Forum 24 celebrates the 75th anniversary of the seminal Forum 49 presentation of emerging modern art - an event that changed the history of art in Provincetown and worldwide. In summer of 1949, Provincetown avant garde artists - abstract expressionist painters, musicians, poets, architects, and psychoanalysts - gathered together to answer the question,“What is Art?” For 60 cents you could listen to James Joyce and T.S Eliott reading from their poetry.

Provincetown Art Gallery Association

The Provincetown Art Gallery Association is marking the occasion with a summer of events designed to honor the original Forum and illuminate the connections between modern art and the cultural changes and artistic changes that still resonate in the world today.

Helltown Players

Helltown Players is assisting the Provincetown Art Gallery Association in their efforts to bring a reading of A Part of the Noise to life. Helltown Players is a non-profit corporation registered with the state of Massachusetts and is a registered tax-exempt non-profit under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRS).

Ticket Revenue

Ticket sales will help offset the expense of producing the reading and raise funds that will help Helltown Players with its mission to produce plays written by Cape Cod playwrights.

Donations

Donations raised by this reading will go directly to the Provincetown Art Gallery Association to help underwrite their programs.

About 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.

Helltown Players was founded in the Spring of 2023 by eight playwrights and theatre enthusiasts with Outer Cape connections who wished to support local, home-grown theatre. These eight playwrights are the trustees of the organization.

Helltown Players is a registered non-profit corporation with the State of Massachusetts. Helltown Players is a registered tax-exempt non-profit under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRS).

Helltown Players Trustees…

Jim Dalglish - Founder/President/Trustee
Ian Ryan - Secretary/Treasurer/Trustee
John Dennis Anderson - Trustee
Meryl Cohn - Trustee
Gary Garrison - Trustee Emeritus
Fermin Rojas - Trustee
Lynda Sturner - Trustee
Margaret Van Sant - Trustee

Helltown Players Benefactors…

Helltown Players thanks the following individuals and organizations for their support. We would not succeed as an organization without you!

Scott Allegretti
Jerry Birdwell
Barbara Boone
Jadah Carroll
Kevin Chandler
Maureen Condon
John Greiner-Ferris
Jarice Hanson
Elizabeth Hogan
Wendy Levine
Jane Macdonald
Delane & Richard Moser
Pamela Painter
Judith Partelow
Rob Phelps
Carl Pritzkat
Laurence Ramin
Patrick Riviere
Mike Syers
Victor Stein
Karen von Bismark
Wenifred Watson

The Jaqueline I. Kroschwitz Fund

“A Part of the Noise” Playbill

A Part of the Noisea reading of a new playby Carl Kline