God-life and Gang-life: Play Posits They're Not So Different

Amy Hartman’s “Mercy and the Firefly” is the kind of play that’s aware of the world we in which we live. Among the topics it addresses: gangs, drug addiction and the decline of an American city.

Hartman draws some of the play’s details from real life—like the junkie who carries a poem around with him for years, waiting for the chance to read it to his ex-girlfriend, and a woman who fixes up a broken wrist with plywood, duct tape and a plastic bag.

The play—which is getting its world premier by the  Feb. 10 through March 13—follows 15-year-old Mercy Clark, who kills another girl as part of a gang initiation. Lucy Raftery, a nun and teacher of Mercy’s, learns what the girl has done, and instead of calling the police, drives her across the country to Lucy’s hometown of Homestead, Pa.

Hartman says “Mercy and the Firefly” is about “the mythology of who we are,” and how and why we create our identities. Lucy explores these issues as she reunites with her mother, Vivian, and her ex-boyfriend Oliver, a recovering junkie who is eight months clean.

Hartman said that in writing the play, she saw parallels between the Catholic Church and gang life. Vivian and Mercy are creating their own mythologies, one through religion the other through violence and gangs.

“I started to really see these similarities. ... The structure and the human need for structure in the Catholic Church is very similar, I think, to what the gang offers to these kids,” she said. “We live in this really dangerous world, and the people who really suffer from this dangerous world are children.”

Underscoring that point is that Lucy and Mercy grew up under similar circumstances. Vivian was just 15 when she gave birth to Lucy, and there’s a lot about her mother Lucy doesn't know. But instead of following the gang life, Lucy became a nun.

“That’s sort of her gang,” Hartman said. “Because it has very stringent rules you have to follow, it has a direct code, it has a conversion mandate. So there really are a lot of sociological—I know this sounds really crazy—similarities.”

As the play progresses, Mercy fights for her survival (and identity) by taking control of a lot run by drug dealers and disrupting Oliver’s home. Lucy in turn struggles with being able to forgive the girl.

“The kid has this regret and she can’t live with herself for doing the killing,” Hartman said. “When she’s in East Los Angeles, the killing that happened within the gang is sanctioned, so it’s like being a solider. But once you take that killing out of its context, instead of becoming a soldier, she becomes a killer. So that’s what happens when Lucy moves her, she goes from being a soldier in a fight, to a killer, and she starts to see herself that way.”

Hartman grew up in Bergen County and now spends her time in New York City and Pittsburgh. She began forming the play during Bricolage Urban Sprawl, a 24-hour playwriting festival held each year by Bricolage Production Company in Pittsburgh. During the festival, six playwrights travel through Pittsburgh on a city bus, and have 12 hours to write a 10-minute play. While taking the tour, Hartman talked with some locals and started writing. 

“It unfolded with little intervention from me,” she said. “I just took notes.”

Another unique element of the play is its opening, a rap recited by Mercy before her crime. The rap’s lyrics are in-your-face, with lines like: “What I got to give Lord / To prove I want to live Lord / I’ll pay the price / Make a sacrifice / Drop the dime, don’t want to do the crime. But, you got to dominate to demonstrate.”

The rap represents Mercy’s place between her church upbringing and the gang life, and Hartman said the fact that she wrote it is “bizarre”—because she’s a 50-year-old white woman. She wrote it while attending a writing workshop in New Mexico, and heard rap music playing in an adjoining room.

“I just started writing to that beat,” she says. “You should have seen these women’s faces the next day when I was reading it. They were all like, 'The picture doesn’t fit the music at all.'”

“Mercy and the Firefly” will have its world premiere at Luna Stage Theatre Company, 555 Valley Road, West Orange, Feb. 10 to March 13. Tickets cost $20-$30. For information, call 973-395-5555, ext. 1 or go to lunastage.org.

THE ON STAGE SCOOP

Audition Alert, “The Taming of the Shrew:” Roles are still available for Brundage Park Playhouse’s “Taming of the Shrew.” Needed are two men in their 20s to 30s for the roles of Tranio and Hortensio, and two men in their 30s and up for the roles of Vincentio/Philip/Ensemble and The Mercent/Baptista’s Servent/Ensemble. All performers should move well. There is a fight scene that ends the first act involving basically the whole cast. The show, in general, will have a lot of physical comedy. Those interested should contact the director at director@theshakespeareinitiative.org directly to arrange an audition.

Audition Alert, ’s Summer Musical Theatre Conservatory: Paper Mill describes the June 27 through July 30 conservatory as a rigorous five-week program designed to enhance performance skills, while instilling the technique, discipline and professionalism needed to excel in the performing arts. The end of the month is devoted to rehearsals for the New Voices concert, performed annually at the Paper Mill. Based on skill, experience and the quality of their audition, conservatory students are grouped into three companies, allowing them to develop at their own pace, while working on age- and skill-appropriate material. Accepted students will be placed into a Conservatory Company at the discretion of the Paper Mill Playhouse faculty and staff based on their audition performance skill level and approximate age. Placement determinations are not negotiable. Companies are divided into Junior (ages 10 to 12), Junior Plus (12 to 14) and Senior (ages 15 to 18) categories. Call 973-379-3636 ext. 2133 to schedule an audition. Click here for more information, and to download an audition application e-form.

New Managing Director for Shakespeare Theatre: The  in Madison announced that Jeanne Barrett, general manager of the theater since 2009, has been named managing director. Barrett will oversee the business operations and finances of the theater and, together with artistic Director Bonnie J. Monte and a team of six senior staff members, will oversee the production, artistic, education, development and marketing operations. “I am thrilled to have Jeanne by my side as we approach our milestone 50th Anniversary season," Monte said in a release from the theater. “Jeanne understands the challenges we face and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead, and she will be instrumental as we continue the great work of this theater.

Orphans, Thieves and Pickpockets: A little bit of Dickens will come to Randolph when Brundage Park Playhouse stages “Oliver!” Feb. 4 through 20. Based on Charles Dickens’ “Oliver Twist,” Lionel Bart’s musical is about a boy who escapes a workhouse and joins a gang of thieves in London. The family-friendly show’s famous tunes include “Food Glorious Food,” “Consider Yourself” and “You’ve Got to Pick-a-Pocket or Two.” Go to brundageparkplayhouse.org for more information.

G.O. See H.M.S.: On Feb. 4, the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players will bring Gilbert and Sullivan’s “H.M.S. Pinafore” to the . The operetta is the legendary duo’s first major success story about forbidden love among the social classes of British society and the Royal Navy. The 8 p.m. performance will be preceded by a lecture at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $37-$62.

What a Pippin: Villagers Theatre in Somerset will present the Tony-award winning musical “Pippin” Feb. 4 to 20. The show tells the story of a young prince, named Pippin, who sees the secret of happiness and fulfillment, through war, temptations and politics, and then through home and family. The show debuted on Broadway in 1972, running until 1977. The show’s music is by Stephen Schwartz (“Godspell,” “Wicked”) and was originally directed by Bob Fosse.  Corey Rubel will direct Villagers’ “Pippin,” with choreography by Jillian Kimberlin and musical direction by David Regner. Tickets cost $18, $16 for seniors and students. The show contains mature subject matter recommended for audiences 16 and over. For ticket information, call 732-873-2710; villagerstheatre.com.

Audition Alert, Improv Night at the Pax: An open cast call for the first generation of the Castle Improv Group (including improv lessons, games and theory) will be held at the Pax Animus Castle Theatre in Budd Lake, Feb. 5 at 1 p.m. and Feb. 7 and 10 at 7 p.m. No previous experience is necessary. Come to as many audition sessions as desired, each will last about 90 minutes. Rehearsals/classes begin the week of Feb. 16. E-mail Nick at ndevries@hotmail.com for more information.

Happy Birthday, Sweet 16:  in South Orange is celebrating its Sweet 16 with a benefit gala Feb. 5, from 7 to 10:30 p.m. All tickets include drinks, hors d’oeuvres, a cabaret-style show, dinner, dancing and a silent auction. Benefactor tickets cost $300 and include a season pass for the 2011-2012 season, Leader tickets cost $200 and include two tickets to Dreamcatcher’s next show, “Distracted.” Patron tickets cost $100 for the gala only. The gala benefit takes place in Barnwell Hall at, 561 Springfield Avenue, Summit. For information, go to dreamcatcherrep.org/gala.html

Balancing Act: The New Shanghai Circus will perform two shows at the Feb. 5. The show will feature acrobats, jugglers and contortionists in a performance that brings 2,000 years of Chinese circus traditions to the stage. Tickets cost $25 for the 3 p.m. show and $32 for the 7 p.m. performance. Call 973-539-8008 or go to mayoarts.org for tickets. .

Fairy Tale Ending: The ’s Kids Club will present “Beauty and the Beast,” Feb. 6, 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. Bring the little ones to see Belle learn about the power of love when she discovers the kindness within the horrible Beast. Note: This musical is not based on the Disney movie. For ages 4-10. Tickets cost $12. Call 973-539-8008 or go to mayoarts.org for tickets.

Actors and Assassins:  will host a reading of Thom Molyneaux’s “Booth, Lincoln, Booth” Feb. 7 at 7:30 p.m. The play examines the relationship between brothers Edwin and John Wilkes Booth, both Shakespearean actors, one of whom assassinated Abraham Lincoln. Information can be found at lunastage.org.

Wintertime Blues: The  will host Hot Tuna Blues, an evening of acoustic and electric blues, Feb. 10 at 8 p.m. The concert will feature Hot Tuna with Rock and Roll Hall of Fame members Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady, accompanied by blues icon Charlie Musselwhite on harmonica and guitar, and two-time Grammy winner Jim Lauderdale. Tickets cost $37-$57. Call 973-539-8008 or go to mayoarts.org for tickets.

Gotta Dance! Savion Glover will bring his latest creation, “SoLo in TiMe” to the , Feb. 11, 8 p.m. Glover and his company weave tap and flamenco traditions in this performance described by the ’s website as “a breathtakingly electric montage of speed, rhythm, and song.” Tickets cost $37-$87. Call 973-539-8008 or go to mayoarts.org for tickets.

Here’s the Proof: Nutley Little Theatre will stage “Proof,” David Auburn’s 2001 Tony winner for Best Play, Feb. 11 to 26. The Feb. 11 performance is a benefit performance for the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson and Union counties. Tickets cost $15, $13 seniors/students. For tickets and information, go to nutleylittletheatre.com.

A Night For Love: The Chester Theatre Group at the Black River Playhouse in Chester will present a Valentine’s special, the romantic comedy “Love Letters” by A. R. Gurney on Feb. 11 and 12, 8 p.m. The play follows the “near misses” of a relationship through a lifetime of letters between a man and a woman, played by Chester Theatre Group regulars Pat Sheffield and Robert Sackstein. Their friendship unfolds from what is written—and what is left unwritten—in 50 years of letters, from summer camps and boarding schools through college, war, career and relationships. All seats cost $10. Reservations recommended: 908-879-7304. The Black River Playhouse is located at the corner of Maple and Grove streets in Chester. For more information, go to chestertheatregroup.org.

"The World Goes Round," You Go To Parsippany: The Women's Theater Company in Parsippany will produce "And The World Goes Round, The Songs of Kander and Ebb" in February. The revue features songs from "Cabaret," "Chicago," "Funny Lady," "Kiss Of The Spiderwoman" and other Broadway hits. Performances are Feb. 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26 and 27. Friday and Saturday performances are 8 p.m. Sundays are 3 p.m. The show is at the , 1140 Knoll Road, Lake Hiawatha. Tickets are $18, $15 for seniors and $12 for students. Call 973-316-3033 or e-mail info@womenstheater.org.

Audition Alert, “The Mousetrap:” Brundage Park Playhouse will hold auditions for its production of “The Mousetrap” Feb. 12 and March 2, 7 to 9 p.m. Those auditioning are requested to bring a headshot or snapshot to the audition. Cold readings will be provided.   No appointments are necessary. The mystery written by Agatha Christie features five male roles (three in their 20s, two who are older) and three female roles (two in their 20s and one who is older). Performances are May 5 through 15. For more information, go to brundageparkplayhouse.org.

Getting Nice and Naughty at the : A gay movie star, a male prostitute and his girlfriend, and a ruthless Hollywood agent take center stage in "The Little Dog Laughed" at the Bickford Theatre in Morris Township until Feb. 13. The comedy by Douglas Carter Beane ran in New York both off-Broadway and on Broadway in 2006, and received a Tony nomination for Best Play. In the play, actor Mitchell Green is poised to become a Hollywood star, but is determined to come out of the closet, leading Diane, his agent, to do whatever it takes to keep him there. The production stars Liz Zazzi, Mark Irish, Scott Tyler and Cynthia Fernandez. Eric Hafen directs. For ticket information, call 973-971-3706 or go to the theater’s website. Also, see our full story on it here.

Audition Alert, “Take Me Out:” Nutley Little Theatre is holding auditions for Richard Greenberg’s “Take Me Out” at the theater’s Barn, 47 Erie Place, Nutley, Feb. 13 and 14. The play is about Darren Lemming, a star baseball player who mistakenly thinks he’ll be accepted when he comes out of closet. For information on roles, go to nutleylittletheatre.com or e-mail takemeoutnlt@gmail.com. (Some roles require nudity.) The play opens April 8 for a three-week run.

How Do You Spell Quirky? The "25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" is continuing at the  through Feb. 13. From the theater's description, it's the story of "six quirky competitors and three oddball adults in search of spelling bee glory." It's a musical that tells its audience, "If you like to laugh, if you like to spell, you'll like this competition very well."

Audition Alert, “Beyond Therapy:” The Chatham Community Playerswill hold open auditions for Christopher Durang’s “Beyond Therapy” Feb. 15 and 16 at 7 p.m. The production runs May 6-21 at the Chatham Playhouse. Auditions will be at The Chatham Playhouse, 23 N. Passaic Ave., Chatham. Director Lauren Moran Mills asks actors be familiar with the script. Sides will be provided at the audition. The character breakdown is two women (one in late 20s to early 30s, another late 30s to early 50s) and four men (two in their early to mid 30s, one late 30s to early 50s and one in his 20s). All roles are open, none are precast, and everyone is encouraged to audition. Contact Kristin Furlong at 732-208-4184 or kristinbarber33@yahoo.com with any questions. More information can be found at here. 

Audition Alert, “The Wizard of Oz:” Hexagon Players of Mendhamwill auditions for “The Wizard of Oz,” at the Great Lutheran Church, 65 E. Main St., Feb. 16 and 18 at 6 p.m. Those auditioning should be prepared to sing a song from any show and bring sheet music in the key they’ll be singing. Show dates are May 13, 14, 15, 20 and 21 at in Bernardsville. For more information, call 973-543-8770.

Make It Up As You Go: Actors can add to their skill set and non-actors can try something new through ’s Improvisational Comedy for Adults course. Starting Feb. 19, Lulu French, a visiting artist with experience in improv, will help students of all levels learn traditional improv games, explore their own creative side in a supportive environment, develop spontaneity, and learn how to shed inhibitions. The last class will allow students to invite friends and family members to a showcase performance.  The class is open to students 18 and older. Classes will be held Saturdays, Feb. 19 to April 23, 10 a.m. to noon at Dreamcatcher’s third-floor space at the Baird Center in South Orange. Registration is on a first-come, first-servved basis. Cost is $333; register by Jan. 31 and save 10 percent. For information, go to dreamcatcherrep.org/education.html or e-mail info@DreamcatcherRep.org.

A Gala Evening: The Growing Stage children’s theater in Netcong will celebrate the 15th anniversary of the re-opening of the Palace Theatre with a gala on March 5. The evening includes cocktails, hors d ‘oeuvres, buffet dinner and dessert catered by the Black Forest Inn in Stanhope, a silent auction and performances by cast members of the theater’s production of “The Wizard of Oz.” Tickets cost $125, with proceeds benefiting The Growing Stages’ programs. RSVP by Feb. 19. Contact Managing Director Tom Romano at 973-347-4946 or mgdir@growingstage.com for reservations.

It's Better Than Even Money: 's musical for this year will be "Guys and Dolls," March 10, 11 and 12 at 7 p.m.; a matinee will also be March 12 at 2 p.m. Shows are in the West Morris Central High School Auditorium. More information here. (Note: An earlier version of this post incorrectly stated the show would be "42nd Street, which the school performed a few years ago).

With a Banjo on His Knee: There’ll be nothing wild and crazy going on when Steve Martin comes to the . Tickets for his concert of bluegrass and banjo music are on sale now. The concert is June 28. Martin’s 2009 album, “The Crow: New Songs for the 5-String Banjo,” won the 2009 Grammy for Best Bluegrass Album. For information on all shows at the Mayo Center, go to mayoarts.org or call the box office at 973-539-8008.

Celebrating Young Talent: The Madison Young Playwrights Festival will soon be taking reservations. It's a day-long festival celebrating work written by students in  Madison schools. Watch this space for more information.

Do You Have A Jersey Voice? The  group is seeking original, one-act plays, short musicals or original dance pieces, written by New Jersey authors, for the 17th annual "Jersey Voices." Play submissions of any genre, style and length up to 20 minutes maximum running time will be accepted through March 15. E-mail submissions in Microsoft Word or PDF format to: jerseyvoices@chathamplayers.org. For more information on the festival itself, see here.

Get Schooled: The educational touring wing of The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, Shakespeare LIVE!, presents abridged productions of the Bard's work that keeps Shakespeare's language intact. It's offering A Midsummer Night's Dream and Julius Caesar Feb. 8 to June 10. For more info and bookings, see here.

Got some news for On Stage? E-mail Louis@Patch.com.