Irvington Theater Archives - The Inside Press

IRVINGTON, NY – Christina Franklin has been training and working in New York’s theater scene since she was eight years old – starting out in the rehearsal studios of TADA! Youth Theater (whose notable alumni include Kerry Washington and Jordan Peele) and taking her gift for storytelling all the way to Broadway. Irvington Theater is thrilled to bring Franklin’s newest play, Cleanse, to virtual audiences from May 21-23.

Brooklyn-born playwright and director Christina Franklin brings her newest work, Cleanse, to Irvington Theater’s all virtual season. (Credit: Christina Franklin)

In Cleanse, Franklin’s main character Courtney loves the internet but hates what it’s doing to her. In order to reclaim control of her offline life, she must face her online past – the awkward chats, the software fads, the moments of immense discovery, and, of course, the trolls. Full of humor, humiliation, and heartbreak, Courtney’s journey to digital deactivation requires a whole lot more than the click of a mouse.

“Christina is such an energetic, current voice for the theater world,” says Irvington Theater Manager Greg Allen. “IT is lucky to premiere this new work that she has been writing throughout the pandemic. I can’t wait for folks to see it!”

Christina Franklin is a Brooklyn-based theater artist and educator. Her work has been produced and developed with National Black Theatre, Royal Family Productions, and Out of The Box Theatrics, where Franklin served as associate director on last month’s critically-acclaimed streaming production of The Last Five Years. Her other assistant and associate directing credits include Coal Country and White Noise at The Public Theater, Slave Play at New York Theatre Workshop, and the upcoming Broadway revival of For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow Is Enuf.

Franklin directs her self-described “semi-autobiographical” play, leading a vibrant, young cast that features Regan Sims, Subiya, Isabel Hilario, Nicole Johnson, and Will Callahan.

Regan Sims leads the cast of Cleanse as Courtney, a millennial who loves the internet but hates what it’s doing to her. (Credit: Regan Sims)

The internet becomes her; Subiya plays one of the Bots in Christina Franklin’s new play, Cleanse. (Credit: Subiya)

Cleanse will be available to stream on demand from Friday, May 21 at 12:01am EST through Sunday, May 23 at 11:59pm EST. This play contains strong language that may be unsuitable for younger audiences. Purchase your $12 per-household ticket to receive the viewing link and password at irvingtontheater.com/cleanse.

It started on Halloween six years ago…

That’s when Douglas McClure, John Malone, and a few of their friends dressed up as the Ramones and performed on North Dutcher Street where they live. Since then, the ritual has joyfully multiplied into a treasured Irvington tradition: community bands providing their neighbors with a rock and roll soundtrack (and the accompanying light show) while trick-or-treaters and their families crowd the Village side streets to sing and dance along.

“We’ve got architects, psychologists, veterinarians, teachers, and technology professionals,” said McClure of the musicians who comprise each act. “It runs the gamut.”

Half Halloween concert finale at Irvington Theater on April 26, 2019, featuring local bands Wild Thyme, Lennon + Friends, Evil Eckar with special guest the Dirty Irv Horns, and the North Dutcher All Stars.

“The Cure” performing on North Dutcher Street, Halloween 2018.

The audience was captivated by “Tom Tom Club” and “Talking Heads” at Irvington Theater’s Half Halloween Concert.

“Devo” (fronted by Doug McClure) at Irvington Theater’s Half Halloween Concert.

Downtown Irvington, just before Halloween’s musical magic begins.

The Halloween Bands (as they’ve been collectively dubbed) don’t let their moniker dictate their performance schedule; last spring, they came together for “Half Halloween,” a spectacular concert fundraiser on the Irvington Theater stage that thoroughly enchanted audience members of all ages. For the first time, four beloved bands were all in one place: Lennon + Friends, Wild Thyme, Evil Eckar, and the North Dutcher All-Stars. Local resident Rich Lobel made a wildly entertaining Master of Ceremonies, and the whole evening was replete with uncanny impersonations, impromptu aisle dancing, spooky surprises, and a karaoke contest that brought down the house. The Village of Irvington was abuzz for weeks, basking in the afterglow of such palpable community spiritedness and intergenerational celebration.

“Ever since that magical night, people always ask us if we made a movie of the show,” said participating musician Miyuki Furtado, who also serves on the Irvington Theater Commission. “Folks who missed it were so disappointed, and anyone who was there wishes they could see it again.”

That wish is about to come true. For the first time ever, Irvington Theater will stream this legendary concert for a one-night-only Halloweekend event – from their stoops to our stage, and now directly to you! Costumes, candy, and household watch parties are strongly encouraged.

Furtado says it’s the perfect time to revisit such a cathartic, live event: “Especially now, with so much uncertainty in the air, that night takes us back to a feeling not so long ago… when we could all gather together and share an incredible, creative community bond that made everyone on the stage and in the audience feel so welcomed, close, and inspired.”

This world premiere concert film will stream at 7:30pm on Friday, October 30. Purchase your ticket ($12 per household) to receive the viewing link and password at irvingtontheater.com/irvingtonanywhere.

Irvington Theater is home to a diverse range of innovative programming that entertains, enlightens, and inspires, establishing itself over its 118-year history as the cultural heart of the Rivertowns. The theater continues its tradition with unprecedented reach with “Irvington Anywhere,” their entirely virtual fall season of short films, lively concerts, and classic celebrations. Irvington Anywhere is made possible thanks to the generous support of Eric Bernstein of Compass, Dobbs Ferry.

PHOTOS BY Paula Romanow Etzel