Readings & Events This Evening

Hey, gang. I hope everyone had a decent weekend (as I did). Because of the sudden shift in weather I've come down with a pretty nasty head cold and will try to brave the workday with the proverbial stiff upper-lip.

However, don't let my weakened constitution prevent you from seeing some pretty cool-looking events happening tonight in our fair city.

For example...

Tonight at the Cell Theatre on W. 23rd St. (between 8th and 9th avenues), Shawn Harris, writer and administrator of the Love's Labors Lost blog, is unveiling a reading of her new play, Anne&Me, at 7:30 p.m.

Here's what Shawn tells us about it:

Anne&Me tells the story of a Black woman whose world is turned upside down when she meets a celebrity in the most unlikely way. Combining pop culture with concepts from Tibetan mysticism, Anne&Me explores the impact of racism and sexism upon the psyche of Black women with unbridled honesty.

Featuring Toccara Castleman, Sarah Koestner, Verna Hampton and Ayo Cumming.

The reading—part of the Blackboard Reading Series—is free, although donations are of course, greatly appreciated. Reservations can be made at blackboardreadingseries@gmail.com.

In addition, over at her blog, she asks readers to participate in an informal survey to determine how to proceed with fundraising for her upcoming summer endeavor, Crossroads.

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Also tonight is the final session for Flux Theatre Ensemble's ForePlay reading series, An Awesome God.

Tonight's entry features new short works by Erin Browne, Fengar Gael, Mac Rogers, & Crystal Skillman, all directed by Michael Davis, about either "The Creation Story" or "The Rebellion of Korah."

Featuring Will Ellis, Daryl Lathon, Nick Monroy, Ingrid Nordstrom, Chandra Thomas, & Cotton Wright.

It's at the Access Theater Gallery (380 Broadway, 4th Floor). The event, too, is free, with a suggested donation of $5.

This reading series is part-and-parcel with Flux's current mainstage show, Jacob's House, which I saw Friday night and about which I hope to write later this week.

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So don't use the excuse that Yours Truly is down for the count: do yourself a favor by checking one of these events out.

Needing the NyQuil,

James "Stuffed Up" Comtois