On May 1, 2014, the first performance of brand new theatre company, Pigs Do Fly Productions, will take place at Empire Stage in Fort Lauderdale. The company’s mission is to produce plays that highlight the actor over 50 as a viable, fully involved, full-of-life character. And its goal is to tap into the 100 million plus Americans who are over age 50 and are under-recognized by the marketers of products, entertainment, etc., with theatre that reflects their world and resonates with them.
The theatre company’s founder, Ellen Wacher, noted the need for her new company while recently working on a project for SAG-AFTRA National Women’s committee. Wacher is not only an actress and the Miami local SAG-AFTRA vice president, but has been a teacher and lobbyist as well. For more information about Ellen Wacher, please visit www.ellenwacher.com.
The company’s first production, Fifty Plus – A Celebration of Life… As We Know It, is a collection of seven or eight short plays by playwrights from across the United States. Wacher, along with director Marjorie O’Neill-Butler, put out a call for 10 minute plays whose themes match the new company’s directive. They received over 350 scripts. “We immediately discarded any that dealt with nursing homes, death’s door situations, or other stereotypical or depressing subject matter,” says Wacher. “We looked for scripts that resonated with us; for situations that will strike a chord with our audiences; and of course, for humor. I had a terrific group of script readers,” she continues, and we rated the scripts very carefully. We’re still in the process of honing our choices, but we’re really pleased with the quality of what we received, and we can’t wait to see and hear our audiences’ reactions.”
Fifty Plus – A Celebration of Life… As We Know It will be appearing May 1 – May 11, 2014 at Empire Stage. Empire Stage is located at 1140 North Flagler Dr. in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Performances will be Thursdays, Fridays, & Saturdays at 8 PM, & Sundays at 5 PM. Tickets prices are $25, and can be purchased on line at www.pigsdoflyproductions.com, or by calling 866-811-4111.
