Wednesday, November 10, 2010

New York Neo-Futurist Benefit at the Fatty Crab Uptown

By Byrne Harrison

On Monday, November 8th, the New York Neo-Futurists held their Second Annual Benefit at the Fatty Crab Uptown. This year's benefit honored original New York Neo-Futurists and Chicago Neo-Futurist Alums Greg Kotis (Tony Award-winner and creator of Urinetown - The Musical) & Ayun Halliday (author of The Big Rumpus and No Touch Monkey!). The very well-attended event featured remarks by NY Neo-Futurist board member Gary Belsky, Managing Director Rob Neill, and Board President Brad Rolston. In honor of the honorees, the NY Neo-Futurists ensemble performed six Neo-Futurist plays by Kotis and Halliday.

This was followed by a wild live auction featuring a private Neo-Futurist performance, a handyman-for-a-day by company member Joey Rizzolo, party planning by multi-talented Neo Desiree Burch, a fondue dinner for six with Emily Bergyl and Rob Neill, a signature cocktail designed by Fatty Crab Mixologist, Adam Schuman, and a Neo-Futurist workshop for an eductional or professional development event. This live auction, led by auctioneer Jeff Olson, raised several thousand dollars for the company, and was a nice complement to the silent auction which featured diverse items like Pilates classes, a waffle iron, TV memorabilia, theatre tickets and a host of other items donated by NY Neo-Futurists supporters.

The Neo-Futurists' long-running show, Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind, continues every Friday and Saturday night at the Kraine Theater. For more information, visit their website.


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