For Press
Brownsville Bred Press Release
New York, NY – Pamela Moller Kareman, Theater 808 and the Schoolhouse Theater proudly present the Off Broadway debut of Brownsville Bred, a play written, performed and lived by Elaine Del Valle at New York City’s prestigious 59E59 Theaters. A “sexy, classy and open-hearted” tale of a Latina’s coming of age in 1980′s Brooklyn. Additional sponsors include Fania Records and Urban Lifestyle Media.
Brownsville Bred is a true-to-life celebration of a young person with a remarkable spirit who triumphs over tragedy. Crime, drugs and poverty mix with the joys of family, hope, salsa and the birth of rap, to create a truly remarkable evening of theater. The audience not only meets Elaine, but is also introduced to her portrayals of many colorful friends, family and neighbors she encounters along her way. Brownsville Bred was developed by Ms. Del Valle at the legendary Wynn Handman Studios in New York City. After winning two New York City festivals, and being nominated for “Outstanding Contribution to Los Angeles Theater” Ms. Del Valle self produced an earlier incarnation of the play at downtown New York’s Nuyorican Poets Café, where she was discovered by her now Director and Producer, Pamela Moller Kareman.
Ms. Kareman, also the artistic director of Westchester’s Schoolhouse Theater was compelled to bring BBrownsville Bred to her Westchester stage, presenting it as their 2010 season opener.
Together, Kareman, as director, and Del Valle as playwright and performer, collaborated on a more complete and fuller version of the play, which met with rave reviews and sold out houses at the Schoolhouse. The New York Times calling it “From Girlhood Trials to Onstage Triumph.” While in rehearsals at the Schoolhouse Theater, Ms. Kareman sensed the theatrical diamond that was taking form, and before opening night decided to bring Brownsville Bred Off Broadway.
“The story and performance is so moving that I became determined to bring it to a larger audience” raved Kareman. Co-producer, Simon Maclean added, “Brownsville Bred is that rare journey whose example compels you to action. Elaine is the first unknown playwright we have ever produced Off Broadway.”
“I feel so blessed to have such a dedicated team to work alongside. Also, while Brownsville Bred is not a musical, I use several iconic songs from the past and am so grateful to other artists who after hearing my story granted me permission to use their music, amongst them Fania Records” says Del Valle.
The New York Daily News named Brownsville Bred a “powerful” Top Pick. Steven Morris, the chief critic at LA Weekly said, “GO! With fashion model beauty and a smile that can melt iron, Puerto Rican Del Valle…has a squeaky voice that can be tinged with a growl hinting at the ferocity of her performance mingled with the sweetness of her portrayal.” The Journal News called it “Captivating, compelling and charming.”
Brownsville Bred Previews begin July 14th. Brownsville Bred opens on July 17th and runs through July 31, 2011 at 59E59 Theaters located at 59 East 59th Street (between Park and Madison Avenues) in NYC. Performances are Tuesdays through Thursdays at 7:15pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:15 pm, and Sundays at 3:15 pm. There is an extra Matinee on Saturday, July 16th, 2011 at 2:15 pm.
For tickets and information call 718.304.7487
