"Woody Guthrie Dreams" September 8, 2011

Playwright Michael Patrick Flanagan Smith focuses on the last thoughts of Woody Guthrie in his new play with music, "Woody Guthrie Dreams," directed by Isabel Milenski, that will be presented by Theater for the New City (TNC) from September 8 to October 1, 2011. TNC is located at 155 First Avenue (between 9th and 10th streets) in the East Village near the L train stop on 1st Avenue, the 6 train stop at Astor Place, and the N/R trains at 8th Street. Shows are Thursdays-Saturdays at 8:00PM and Sundays at 3:00PM. Tickets are $20 Thursdays-Saturdays and on Sundays you pay want you can. You can buy tickets online by visiting www.theaterforthenewcity.net or call the Box Office at (212) 254-1109 to reserve tickets.

As Huntington's Disease takes hold of his mind and body, Guthrie looks back on his life through dreams, revisits long-forgotten memories, and reminisces on his musical achievements, including the songs he played across the nation with Pete Seeger, Cisco Houston, and Lead Belly. He also revisits his whirlwind romance with Martha Graham dancer Majorie Mazia, his second wife. Guthrie battles his own fears, insecurities, and debilitating illness, all the while throwing himself into a wild attempt at creating a better world, one sung chorus after another.

As a witness to some of the most turbulent eras of the twentieth century, Woody Guthrie was pivotal in illuminating the American consciousness about contemporary sociopolitical changes through his music. In fact, music was the driving force behind all of Woody Guthrie's travels and endeavors. "There are several ways of saying what's on your mind...one of the mainest ways is by singing," he said. He saw the significance music had to inspire people, tell their stories, ease their hardships, and awaken social change. Guthrie believed, "A folk song is what's wrong and how to fix it." In the spirit of Guthrie's philosophy "Woody Guthrie Dreams" utilizes music as the primary channel of illustrating Guthrie's reflections and memories.

Official Website: http://www.woodyguthriedreams.com