Local Playwright to Debut World Premiere at theREP
“Rosie Is Red And Everybody Is Blue” Opens at theREP with Heart, Humor and a Local Voice
ALBANY – Capital Repertory Theatre will welcome the world premiere of “Rosie Is Red And Everybody Is Blue, a sharp and witty new comedy by local playwright John Spellos and directed by Reginald Douglas. This fresh, emotionally charged dramedy will run from April 25 through May 18.
A winner of the 2023 Next Act New Play Summit, “Rosie Is Red And Everybody Is Blue” invites audiences into a colorful and complex world where the lines between reality, memory, and emotion blur. The show follows Rosie, a woman juggling the chaos of her adult son and brother-in-law moving into her small home, all while secretly battling her own challenges. This fast-paced and heartfelt comedy delves into the complexities of family life, highlighting the humor and heartache that come with it. With sharp wit and poetic language, this new work challenges perceptions of truth and explores how we carry — and are carried by — the people in our lives.
The production is part of theREP’s commitment to championing new voices and developing bold, new American theatre. “Rosie Is Red And Everybody Is Blue” brings together a powerhouse cast of performers whose work spans regional theatre, television, and beyond. Returning to theREP is Inga Ballard as Rosie, last seen at theREP in Lynn Nottage’s “Sweat.” Ballard’s impressive resume includes the national tour of “Ragtime” and performances at respected regional theatres such as Syracuse Stage, the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, and Arizona Theatre Company. She’s also a familiar face from numerous television appearances, commercials, and voice-over work.
Joining theREP for the first time are Chris Blunt (Chris), Maya Loren Jackson (Vanessa), and Montae Russell (Lenny). Blunt’s screen credits include Netflix’s “Rustin” and the CW’s “Tom Swift.” Jackson has appeared on Broadway in “Death of a Salesman” and “The Skin of Our Teeth,” and performed regionally at Barrington Stage Company in “10×10” and other theatres nationwide. Russell brings a rich theatrical background with Broadway roles in “King Hedley II” and “Prelude to a Kiss,” along with screen credits in “NCIS,” “Rizzoli & Isles,” “Shameless,” “ER,” “Godzilla,” and upcoming films “The Beauty of Poverty” and “Redacted.”
theREP is thrilled to welcome playwright John Spellos back to the Capital Region. A proud Menands School and Christian Brothers Academy alum, Spellos grew up in the area before launching his writing career. His debut screenplay, “Cafe Zoe,” was recognized as a finalist by both the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Nicholl Screenwriting Fellowships and the Sundance Filmmakers Lab.
In addition to Douglas directing, Alexander Woodward is the scenic designer, Travis McHale is the lighting designer, Karen Perry is the costume designer, David Lamont Wilson is the sound designer, Shayne David Cameris is the production stage manager, and Michaela Savoie is the assistant stage manager.
Previews for “Rosie Is Red And Everybody Is Blue” take place at theREP, 251 N. Pearl St., Albany April 25-27, and opening night is Tuesday, April 29. Performances are scheduled Tuesdays through Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. There is also a 2 p.m. performance Wednesday, May 7.
Tickets range from $30.50 – 75.50. For tickets and information, call the Box Office at Proctors 12-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday at (518) 346-6204, or visit attherep.org. The Box Office at theREP will open 60 minutes before show time. The 2024-25 season at theREP is sponsored by Overit.
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Special Event Nights:
Preview Party – Friday, April 25-Sunday, April 27
Ticket holders may be entered for exclusive prizes, enjoy pre-show events, opportunities, and more. Every show is different!
Playwright John Spellos will be giving pre- and post-show talks throughout the weekend! He’ll be chatting about his creative process, how this world premiere came to be, his connection to the characters, and more!
Friday: pre-show talkback from 7-7:20 p.m.
Saturday mat: post-show talkback 5-5:20 p.m.
Sunday: pre-show talkback 1-1:20 p.m.
Opening Night –Tuesday, April 29
Includes complimentary post-show champagne toast.
Chef’s Table – 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 6
Hors d’oeuvres will be provided by local restaurants.
ASL Performance – 3 p.m. Saturday, May 10
This performance features sign language interpreters. To request access to the designated seating section, please call the box office at (518) 346-6204.
Thirsty Thursday – 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 15
Enjoy samples from local breweries, cideries, or distilleries.
Behind the Scenes – 1 p.m. Sunday, May 18
12:30 p.m., complimentary coffee and pastry before the pre-show presentation of the various pieces behind “Rosie Is Red And Everybody Is Blue” hosted by Producing Artistic Director Maggie Mancinelli-Cahill. This special conversation is free and open to the public.