Americas Off Broadway announces line up

59E59 Theaters' Americas Off Broadway festival returns for its 2nd year, presenting 5 New York premieres from 28 Apr - 3 Jul 2010

The featival is described in press notes as "This intimate festival celebrates the captivating, infuriating, touching and unique experiences that are found in such a diverse culture. Americas Off Broadway features the stories and voices that define our vast nation."

The Americas Off Broadway line-up:

De Novo by Jeffrey Solomon
Directed by Jeffrey Solomon
Venue: 59E59's Theater A
Date: 28 Apr - 15 May 2010.

Synopsis: Sixteen-year-old Edgar Chocoy pleaded with a U.S. court not to deport him to Guatemala. 'If I go back, they'll kill me.' This true story, crafted from immigration court transcripts, interviews and letters tells the story of the case that challenged the conscience of a nation.

The Housewives Of Mannheim By Alan Brody
Directed by SuzAnne Barabas
Venue: 59E59's Theater B
Dates: 6 May - 6 Jun 2010.

Synopsis: 1944. While War is raging overseas, May, Alice, and Billie are home in Brooklyn marking the days until the men return. Into their carefully crafted world enters Sophie, a woman who has fled the Holocaust, and her appearance on the scene threatens the delicate equilibrium that the housewives have so skillfully created.

Jack's Precious Moment By Samuel D. Hunter
Directed by Kip Fagan
Venue: 59E59's Theater C
Dates: 21 May - 13 Jun 2010.

Synopsis: A video of insurgents beheading Jack Lewis is released over the Internet. Back home in Idaho, Jack's twin, father and widow are left to pick up the pieces -- so to speak. The only solution to this Christian family's grief and mounting spiritual crisis: The Precious Moments Chapel in Carthage, MO.

Freed By Charles Smith
Directed by Joe Brancato
Venue: 59E59's Theater A
Dates: 11 Jun - 3 Jul 2010.

Synopsis: The true story of John Newton Templeton, an ex-slave who was the first African-American to attend college in the Midwest, 40 years before the end of slavery.

Ideal By Ayn Rand
Directed by Jenny Beth Snyder
Venue: 59E59's Theater C
Dates: 17 Jun - 13 Jul 2010.

Synopsis: The world's most famous actress is accused of murder. Six devoted fans are challenged to stand by their idol in her time of greatest need. How much will they sacrifice to protect the ideal they profess to love?