Out of the Box Theatrics and the Holmdel Theatre Company will present a virtual reading of “Let the Chips Fall Where They May, A COVID Play” on Oct. 5 at 7:15 p.m. on Facebook and YouTube.
Written by Bob Stewart, the piece is directed by Fredi Walker-Browne (“Rent”). Sound and video production will by provided by DimlyWit Productions, according to a press release.
“I am delighted to finally be collaborating with Bob Stewart, my dear friend of many years,” Walker-Browne said. “He is an amazing writer. His plays are deep, insightful and occasionally disturbing; ‘Chips’ presses all of those buttons. Thanks to Out of the Box Theatrics and the Holmdel Theatre Company for being brave enough to produce such an intense piece.”
Set in the near future, “Let the Chips Fall Where They May” takes place in an America where there is finally a COVID vaccine. Slowly, the nation reopens, but not without consequence, according to the press release.
There are strict rules to follow and one misstep will cause severe repercussions – and not just for the rule breaker. “Let the Chips Fall Where They May” examines entitlement, classism and the extreme effects of self-isolation during a pandemic, according to the press release.
It is a special presentation of Out of the Box Theatrics’ Off the Couch Play Festival – a virtual new works play festival dedicated to Out of the Box Theatrics’ mission to diversify American theater by providing an inclusive and accessible platform for artists and patrons, especially in times like these, according to the press release.
“As a producer, I think it is our responsibility to find ways to continue to create meaningful work and support our community during the shutdown,” said Colleen Cook, the Holmdel Theatre Company’s executive director. “When Fredi presented this thought-provoking piece, Liz Flemming and I both agreed it was perfect for the Off the Couch series.”
“I am very excited to be collaborating with the Holmdel Theatre Company on such a relevant piece of theater,” Flemming said. “When I first read this play I was a little uncomfortable.
“In 12 pages I had to confront life after COVID, classism and society’s complacency. It’s not easy to hold up a mirror and face what’s in front of you, but it’s so important. I hope this piece will spark conversation, leading our audiences to face what is uncomfortable and strive for change.”
The cast for “Let the Chips Fall Where They May” is Jakeim Hart (“Sing Street”), Terry LaVell (“La Cage Aux Folles”), Gracie Winchester (“Annie Get Your Gun”), Ryan Clardy (“Mr. Irresistible”), and David Meenan (“42nd Street,” “A Chorus Line”).
The presentation will livestream on Out of the Box Theatrics’ Facebook page and YouTube channel on Oct. 5 at 7:15 p.m. and is free to the public. Donations are encouraged.
The Holmdel Theatre Company at the Duncan Smith Theater is a nonprofit, semi-professional theater company dedicated to presenting fresh interpretations of classic plays as well as rarely presented modern dramas and comedies, according to the press release.