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D.R.E.A.M. Studios Inc. announces world premiere of new play “The Obituary” by Benjamin D. Smith
Holyoke, MA performance Nov. 1-2
Where: Holyoke Media, 1 Court Plaza, Holyoke, MA, 01040
Time: Friday 7:00pm, Saturday, 3 pm & 7 pm
Donation: Tickets are General Admission
$25, VIP $45. Students, $10 and Discounts for Seniors
LIVESTREAM – $30
For more information about the play and ticketing details, please visit www.theobituaryplay.com or contact Benjamin D. Smith. bsmith@theobituaryplay.com or (413) 883-8100
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D.R.E.A.M. Studios Inc., renowned for its acclaimed productions including the award-winning musical “Children In The Playground” and Off-Broadway’s “The Red Curtain”, is thrilled to present its latest theatrical endeavor, “The Obituary”. This new play, penned by the talented Benjamin D. Smith, will be making it’s Western MA debut after it’s amazing run in New York, Off-Broadway. This marks a significant addition to the company’s distinguished portfolio.
“The Obituary” assembles a stellar cast from New York City that brings unparalleled depth and drama to this compelling narrative. Buddha Daloney takes on the role of Thad, the protagonist grappling with a life shaped by his father. Will Fulton Jr. portrays Thad’s father, Theodore III, embodying the formidable patriarch whose legacy looms large. Amanda L. Mason delivers a poignant performance as Thad’s beautiful yet misunderstood wife. Aygen James shines as Gene, Thad’s charming and conflicted best friend. Charise Vaughn brings to life the new matriarch, Mother Gohagen, with grace and intensity.
Together, this remarkable ensemble weaves a powerful tale that not only captivates and provokes thought but also prompts reflection on the value of family, no matter how complex or imperfect it may be. Their masterful storytelling invites you to consider your own blessings and embrace the profound truths hidden within familial bonds.
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“The Obituary” was conceived and developed this past Spring during Benjamin D. Smith’s Advanced Playwriting class at Harvard University. Garnering enthusiastic responses from professors and peers alike, Smith’s creative vision blossomed into a complex and richly textured one-act play that has captivated the Harvard Theater Department.
The play was chosen by Professor Robert Delany to represent Harvard at the prestigious New York Theater Festival. The play made its world debut on October 9th, 11th, and 13th at The Barrow Theater in Manhattan’s vibrant Lower East Side.
D.R.E.A.M. Studios Inc. is proud to showcase this innovative work and invites audiences to experience the captivating storytelling and dynamic performance that define “The Obituary.”
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Meet Benjamin Smith, Producer
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Benjamin D. Smith, the Executive Director/CEO of D.R.E.A.M. Studios Inc., is an actor, director, and instructional artist who earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Economics with a minor in Theatre from Florida A&M University. In addition to grant writing and event planning/design, he operates as a freelance arts consultant in Texas, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York. He is the current Treasurer and former president of the Springfield Cultural Council.
As an Executive Member of the Think Tank committee at the George Street Playhouse in New Brunswick, NJ, Benjamin is also a Teaching Artist in their P.E.N. Program (Prolific Engaged Narrators), which implements the Artistic Way of Knowing Theory in New Jersey Public Schools located in Jersey City, Somerset and New Brunswick. He is also the chairman of the Take Back The Day movement, which employs the visual and performing arts to transform the September 11th tragedy into a triumph.
Mr. Smith is a Master of Arts in Dramatic Studies candidate at Harvard University, where he has been enrolled since 2020. He is intrigued by the prospect of earning a doctorate in the field of art therapy.
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“The Obituary” unfolds the story of Theodore Thadius Gohagen IV, affectionately known as Thad, whose life has been meticulously crafted by his father, Theodore III. Thad has inherited the family business, Gohagen Funeral Home, and has lived according to his father’s design. However, following his father’s death, Thad decides to embrace his own aspirations, including pursuing new career opportunities, relocating, and seeking true love.
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For more information about the play and ticketing details, please visit www.theobituaryplay.com or contact Benjamin D. Smith. bsmith@theobituaryplay.com or (413) 883-8100.
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