Welcome to F***ed Up Fairytales – a twisted, hilarious, and delightfully unpredictable ride through the stories you thought you knew.It’s a joy to present this wild new production in partnership with Durnmoose Entertainment at the NYC Fringe Festival. This show is a bold return to the kind of theatre that ignites conversation, invites laughter, and isn’t afraid to throw a little chaos into the mix (the good kind, we promise).
Rising Sun has always championed risk-taking, boundary-breaking, and fiercely collaborative storytelling – and F***ed Up Fairytales delivers all of that in spades. With a rotating cast of brilliant performers, immersive audience interaction, and a different adventure every night, no two performances are the same. That’s the magic.
Special thanks to my incredible co-director Rachael Langton, our dynamic cast and crew, and the entire RSPC ensemble for their heart, hustle, and twisted imaginations. We’re thrilled to have you with us – drink in hand, boundaries blurred, ready to dive headfirst into the unexpected. Buckle up. It’s gonna get weird.
With gratitude and mischief, Akia
Land Acknowledgement We would like to begin by acknowledging the Indigenous Peoples of all the lands that we are on today. While we gather today on a virtual platform, we would like to take a moment to acknowledge the importance of the land, which we each call home. We do this to reaffirm our commitment and responsibility in improving relationships between nations and to improve our own understanding of local Indigenous peoples and their cultures. From coast to coast, we acknowledge the ancestral and unceded territory of all the First Nations people that call this nation home. Please join us in a moment of reflection to acknowledge the harms and mistakes of the past and to consider how we are and can each, in our own way, try to move forward in a spirit of reconciliation and collaboration and undoing of harm. We encourage you to do your own research about the communities that are indigenous to the stolen land that you are on : https://native-land.ca
Our Mission: Committed to the principle of ensemble process and performance through the collaboration of a company of actors, directors and playwrights, Rising Sun Performance Company’s mission is to advance the vitality and diversity of American theater by nurturing artists, encouraging repeatable creative relationships, and contributing new works and revitalized pre-existing work to the national canon. Rising Sun Performance Company realizes this goal by providing a safe artistic home which stimulates risk-taking without limits of genre or agenda. Learn more at www.risingsunnyc.com @RisingSunNYC
RISING SUN PERFORMANCE COMPANY STAFF Founding Artistic Director - Akia Squitieri Associate Artistic Director - Rachael Langton Literary Manager - Rick Benson Social Media Manager - Lluvia Almanza Production Manager - Michael Hagins Associate Company Manager - Giordano Cruz
ENSEMBLE Akia Squitieri, Alexandra Scordato, Ally Harwell, Amanda Bowman, Anel Carmona, Anuka Sethi, Asha Debi, Ayesha Saleh, Ben Dworken, Catalina Beltrán, Claire Dempsey, Dot Persica, Duane Ferguson, Dylan Houston, Elliot Colby, Eric Parness, Ethan Raysor, Giordano Cruz, Holly Hepp-Galván, Jackie Marushak, Jacquernst Filias, Jenna Atkinson, Jeremy Lynch, Joan Kane, Josephine Pizzino, Judd Lear Silverman, Julia Torres, Justin Bennett, Kati Frazier, Katrina (Jack/Byrd) Skidmore, Kristen Hoffman, Laine Diep, Laura Lamberti, Laura Walter, Leïca Lucien, Leyla Hadi-K, Lluvia Almanza, Luis Feliciano, Maera Daniel Hagage, Mary Garrett Turner, Mary Sheridan, Maya Jasmin Kurokouchi, Mia Pelosi, Michael Hagins, Michael Pichardo, Monique Pappas-Williams, Orlando F. Rodriguez, Pau Tobar, Philip Jones, Rachael Langton, Raiane Cantisano, Rebecca Conaway, Rebecca Kane, Rick Benson, Romanti Mata, Sania Hyatt, Stephanie Del Bino, Susan Goodell, Zahra Jangbar
RSP’s work is made possible in part by the generous support of Fractured Atlas, Horse Trade Theater Group, Alliance of Resident Artists, David Anthony Photography, N-K Photography, Indie Space, Material for the Arts, NYC Dept. of Cultural Affairs.
A Special Thanks to our Patreon Members: Elizabeth Burke, Michelle Schellekens, Leo Blais, Jamie Weisberg, Richard Damaso, Judd Silverman & Emmy Tomes
We are proud members of The League of Independent Theatres, Fractured Atlas and Alliance of Resident Theatres/NY.
DONATE TODAYRising Sun Performance Company is a sponsored project of Fractured Atlas, a non-profit arts service organization. Contributions for the charitable purposes of Rising Sun Performance Company must be made payable to Fractured Atlas only and are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT:http://www.risingsunnyc.com/support-us
CAST WILHELM - David Anthony Anderson, Joel Trinidad JACOB - Claire Dempsey^, Eric Austin HERO - Orlando Rodriguez^, Grayson Bradshaw PRINCESS - Crystal-Marie Alberson, Ally Harwell^ FOOL - Giordano Cruz^, Rick Benson^ VILLAIN - Laura Walter^, Maera Hagage ^ ENCHANTED CREATURES - Kiki Dowell, Sydney Speltz
CREATIVE TEAMWritten By - Michael Hagins^ CO-Directed By - Akia Squitieri^ & Rachael Langton^ Associate Producer/Consultant - David Laws Costume Design - Tiffini Minatel-Schreiber Sound Design - Max Feldman prop Design - Laine Diep^ Production Stage Manager - Romanti Mata^ Props Assistant - Amanda Bowman^Run Crew - Justin Bennett^ House Manager/Show Rep - Alexandra Scordato^ Social Media Manager - Lluvia Almanza^
^ Denotes Ensemble Member of Rising Sun Performance Company
F***ed Up Fairytales would like to give Special Thanks to:Trilogy repertory theater, FRIGID New York, NYC Fringe Festival, Erez, Jimmy, Martha, Sam and the entire team at FRIGID, Parkside Lounge, The Rat, Frank Molina, Nicole Hagins, Mitchell Backleman, Materials for the Arts, NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, Scarlet, Chrstine and the entire team at Houghton Hall, The Joyce, University Settlement
And Thank You to our 2024-2025 Donors: Alaina Hammond, Carol Turturro, Crystal White, Jane Greenfield, Joseph Wightman, Julie Miller, Kelly Hayes Micozzi, Kristina, Linda Dowling, Madeleine Blossom, Maggie Richards, Meri Minatel-Schreiber, Michael Sause, Nicole Garick, Nora McGowan, Randi Berry, Regina Richards
CAST BIOS
DAVID ANTHONY ANDERSON (Wilhelm Cast A) is excited to be jumping back into performing through several groups. He's currently working with the Improv Knights, the Merry Mob Singing Group and writing his second script for his Children's Puppet Show, "Captain Clyde and his Puppet 'Friends.'"
JOEL TRINIDAD (Wilhelm Cast B) A theater professional from the Philippines, Joel Trinidad has produced a body of work that has granted him Permanent Residency status in the US as an "alien of extraordinary ability and achievement." He has performed in over 50 major plays and musicals, including the Asian Premieres of AVENUE Q and THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE (Philippines and Singapore); SOMETHING TO CROW ABOUT (La MaMa Theater); and PROOF (opposite Tony and Olivier Award-winner Lea Salonga). On screen, he has acted alongside the likes of Bob Hoskins (in NORIEGA: GOD’S FAVORITE), Connie Nielsen (in THE GREAT RAID), Jeff Fahey (in CRASH POINT), and Christian Kane (in the Amazon series ALMOST PARADISE), among many others. A prolific writer as well as an actor, Joel has penned a dozen original librettos (most of which have been successfully produced in his home country) and more than a hundred short plays (many of which have been produced in NYC). His latest creation, the two-person musical comedy A TALE OF TWO (based on A TALE OF TWO CITIES by Charles Dickens), premiered in London in July 2024.
CLAIRE DEMPSEY (Jacob Cast A) Performer, artist and dynamic disability advocate. Claire is a graduate of Wagner College Theater and is thrilled to be joining Rising Sun as a company member. Off Broadway: Allerleirauh (Bookworm Theatrics). Regional: Much Ado About Nothing (STNJ). @Claire_E_Dempsey
ERIC AUSTIN (Jacob Cast B) is an actor, voice actor and improvisor from Irvington NJ. He received his B.A. in Theatre Arts from Morgan State University. He's a host of the award winning Story Pirates Podcast, and a member of their touring cast. He regularly performs improv and comedy shows around NYC with Ten Bones Theater and Random Access Theater company and The Armory to name a few.
ORLANDO RODRIGUEZ (Hero Cast A) is a graduate from the University of Texas at El Paso where he got his B.A. in Theater Tech and Design. Despite the degree, his after-college career has been more focused in playwriting, acting and directing. Notable acting credits include Cheddar in Tin Cat Shoes at the Nutley Little Theater, TV Anchor in Proud at the 14th Street Y, and Voice 1 in Betty's Summer Vacation at The Gene Frankel Theater.
GRAYSON BRADSHAW (Hero Cast B)is a physical theatre artist and dancer based in NYC. He holds a MFA in Ensemble-Based Physical Theatre from the Dell’Arte International School of Physical Theatre. He’s danced with Flatlands Dance Theatre, Mystical Feet Company, Texas Tech University, and privately in his bedroom when no one is watching. He is an experienced clown and mask-work performer who enjoys collaborating with other artists of all disciplines.
CRYSTAL-MARIA ALBERSON (Princess Cast A) is a Brooklyn-based theatre artist specializing in ensemble-driven projects and devised theatre that brings new and lesser-known works to life. Regardless of her hat—be it a Performer, Director, Devisor, or Teacher—Crystal-Marie’s approach is collaborative by design, aiming to foster a sense of community. Crystal-Marie also works closely with Brooklyn Arts Exchange and Irondale Ensemble Project, leading programs that aid students in creating original devised musicals and performances. She continues to develop work and train with Letter of Marque Theater Co. and Strike Anywhere Performance Ensemble. Originally from a first-generation farm in Tennessee, she holds a BA in Theatre from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
ALLY HARWELL (Princess Cast B)is an actor originally from Greensboro, NC. After getting her BA from Greensboro College, she moved to NYC where she attended the neighborhood playhouse and received a certificate in Meisner Technique. She has been a company member with Rising Sun since 2022. Some of her credits include Dance Nation, Sprites, The Mystery of the Green Teeth Ghost, Safe Walk, and Our Home on Ludlow.
GIORDANO CRUZ (Fool Cast A) is a theatre artist from Queens. Acting credits include King Lear at BAM (Chorus), Hamlet (Horatio), Untitled Calamity Jane Play (Wild Bill Hickock), A View from the Bridge (Eddie), A Doll's House (Dr. Rank).
RICK BENSON (Fool Cast B) recently appeared as the peacock, Tom, at the 14Y Theater in Rising Sun Performance Company’s production of Proud. Previously he has played the lead in Cyrano de Bergerac with The Queens Players, Alceste in Molière’s The Misanthrope with Phoenix Theater Company, and Old Man in Eugene Ionesco’s The Chairs with Jumbleshop Theater. He is the literary manager and an ensemble member of Rising Sun Performance Company. On occasion, he can be seen playing Evil Baron Bigbutt in Pirate Pete’s Parrot at the Secret Theatre in Woodside.
LAURA WALTER (Villain Cast A) is thrilled to be working with this amazing group of people. Previous theater credits include Satan in A Very Merry Immigrant Christmas at the Lucille Lortel Theatre, Lissa in The Room of Falsehood! at Under St Marks and Monica in Vagina Rights at the Theatre At St Clements. Laura holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the New York Film Academy. www.laurawalter.nyc - Instagram: @LauraWalter
MAERA HAGAGE (Villain Cast B)is a passionate storyteller whose work celebrates the power of theater to bring people together, foster inclusion, and create lasting connections through both theater and film. Born in Texas, raised in Israel, and with living experiences in Germany, Egypt, and now NYC, Maera brings a unique global perspective to her craft, blending her love for art and theater with a deep commitment to inclusivity. A graduate of Bezalel Academy of Art & Design in Jerusalem and the Beit Zvi School of Performing Arts conservatory, Maera has performed with KANAF Theatre Group, a platform for the collaborative work of physically disabled and non-disabled actors. This passionate actress, fluent in three languages, she is the founding artistic director of Dirty Laundry Theatre and a proud member of Mr. John Anthony’s Acting Group and Rising Sun Performance Company. Her favorite stage credits include Untitled Calamity Jane Play, A Warm Family, Elephant, and Light Heart Heavy (which she co-wrote and directed). On screen, Maera has appeared in Out of Order!, Hello Tomorrow, Mosaic (web series), and A Mother’s Love, among others.
KIKI DOWELL (Enchanted Creatures Cast A) is a NYC based actor, singer, and improviser. Her recent credits include ‘Cathy’ in "The Last Five Years” (BrooklynOne Productions) and ‘Sponge’ in James and the Giant Peach (Virginia Commonwealth University). Kiki is excited to get back to her comedic roots while bringing these classic tales to life in a new way.
SYDNEY SPELTZ (Enchanted Creatures Cast B)is an actor, singer, dancer and drag performer who has been working in NYC for the past 3 years. She is best known for winning season 8 of Sasha Belle's Drag Race and for appearing weekly as a cast memberofAccomplice NYC. Sydney is a graduate of the University of Iowa School of Liberal Arts.
CREATIVE BIOS
MICHAEL HAGINS (Playwright) is an African-American Playwright, Director, Fight Director, Actor, and Producer. Michael is a member of Dramatists Guild and an Advanced Actor-Combatant for the Society of American Fight Directors. Michael was born in Brooklyn, New York, but raised in a small town in Florida for his childhood. He has used the racism and prejudice he dealt with at an early age to fuel his writing, which he has done since the age of 9. Michael is an avid lover of Shakespeare (he has done every play in the Shakespeare Canon) and has performed, directed and taken part in over 1,000 plays and films over his artistic career. Follow @conqueringthecanon on Instagram to check out Michael's one man about doing every play in the Shakespeare Canon!
AKIA SQUITIERI (Founding Artistic Director / Co-Director) is an award-winning director, producer, and arts leader. She is the Founding Artistic Director of Rising Sun Performance Company and served as Co-Executive Director of the Innovative Theatre Foundation and Awards, producing all live events from inception to 2022. Akia also spent over a decade as Company Manager for Blue Man Group at the Astor Place Theater and most recently was Director of Arts & Culture at the 14Y Theater, where she led the post-pandemic revitalization of its programming. She has worked with organizations including FRIGID New York, Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre, Drunk Shakespeare, Broadway Dance Lab, The 5th Avenue Theatre (Seattle), and more. Her directing credits include Bug, Hellcab, The Glory of Living, Elephant, and Untitled Calamity Jane Play at venues like The Kraine, TheatreLab, The Clemente Soto Velez Cultural Center, The Flamboyan Theater, Governors Island, and The 14Y Theater. Akia is a recipient of the NY Innovative Theatre Foundation’s Founders Award and multiple directing awards and nominations from Planet Connections and FRIGID Festival. She is the founder of “Creating Safe Spaces,” the first theatrical anti-harassment training program in the U.S. She’s also a scuba diver, traveler, and proud advocate for safer, more inclusive theater. She would like to thank the FUFT Team for their amazing work, trust and energy to make this show happen! www.akiasquitieri.co | @akiasquitieri
RACHAEL LANGTON (Co-Director) is a New York based director and the Associate Artistic Director of Rising Sun Performance Company. Select New York credits include A Shot Rang Out by Michael Hagins at Theatre Row; East Side Stories, Actually, an evening of five original short plays at Metropolitan Playhouse; Winter’s Night by Neith Boyce and Woman's Honor by Susan Glaspell performed virtually at Metropolitan Playhouse; and Graduation by Eugene Grygo, performed in the International Human Rights Festival. Rachael is also the Director of Marketing at The New Group. Education: BA Theatre Studies, Ithaca College. View her work at RachaelLangton.com. Follow @Rachael_Langton
DAVID ANDREW LAWS (Creative Consultant) is an NYC-based bard. He is the founder of Durnmoose Entertainment, a producing entity currently working with shows in the NYC Fringe, the Edinburgh Fringe, and beyond, as well as the founding artistic director of Hamlet Isn't Dead, a company dedicated to producing the entire canon of William Shakespeare in chronological order. As a writer, his proudest accomplishments are the co-creation of Dungeons & Dragons The Twenty-Sided Tavern and his first play, a sci-fi b-movie comedy called Attack of the Killer Man from the Sun!. His most exciting stage credits are over 400 performances in the off-Broadway hit Drunk Shakespeare and three separate turns as Nick Bottom in A Midsummer Night's Dream. His cat, Sir Stirling Archibald Underfoot Skye Abney Laws is utterly perfect. For more, visit davidandrewlaws.comLAINE DIEP (Props Design) is a NYC based scenic artist, actress, and classical guitarist. She is excited to be back with Rising Sun Performance Company after beginning her theatre career propping Untitled Calamity Jane Play and Proud. She is currently pursuing her BFA in theatre production. Recent credits include Midsummer Night’s Dream (Helena, Assistant Set Designer), Almost, Maine (Marvalyn) at Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Spellbound (Assistant Designer).
TIFFANI MINATEL-SCHREIBER (Costume Design) began her work as a costume and wardrobe practitioner in high school with the production of Barnum. Using sewing skills taught by her mother starting at the age of 10, Tiffini has built/altered and designed her way to a side hustle for her past acting career. NYC credits include Costume Design/Construction and Wardrobe Supervision/Dresser for The Daughters Of The Regiment (Opera Northeast NY, NY) and The Barber Of Seville (DiCapo Opera NY, NY), Costume Repair/Alteration/Dresser for Romeo And Juliet, Othello, Twelfth Night, Two Gentleman Of Verona (Kings County Shakespeare, Brooklyn, NY), Costume Design/Construction/Supervision for The Comedy Of Errors, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Twelfth Night (Gold Coast Shakespeare NY, NY). Most recently, Tiffini’s work was seen as a Design Consultant/Co-Ordinator and Wardrobe Supervisor for Untitled Calamity Jane Play (Rising Sun Performance Company NY, NY). Tiffini thanks Akia Squitieri for bringing her back into the theater fold after 20 years of business management and ownership. Much love to her very understanding husband Michael!
MAX FELDMAN (Sound Design) is a sound designer, improviser and musician living in Brooklyn. He performs regularly at the Broadway Comedy Club, Magnet Theater, Caveat, and BCC. Sound design credits include Heartbeat Opera and A.P.E. Ltd. Gallery, and he is the accompanist for the improvised fantasy adventure show The Legend of You.
ROMANTI-EZER MATA (Production Stage Manager) is an Actor/Dancer from El Paso, TX. He works as a Dance Teaching Artist with the National Dance Institute, and is an actor of the Murder Mystery Company troupe in New York. As a new company member, he is excited to be a part of his first production with Rising Sun.
AMANDA BOWMAN(Props Assistant)Amanda Bowman is a Brooklyn based theater -maker and actor. She holds a BFA in Contemporary Theater from Boston Conservatory. Amanda has worked as an actor, fight choreographer, teaching artist, stage carpenter, stage manager, boom operator, sound mixer/recordist, and assistant director. She has performed in immersive, experimental, and actor-generated theater with Double Edge Theater, Human Agenda Theater, and Shakespeare & Company. Amandamariebowman.com
JUSTIN BENNET (Run Crew) As an actor – New York theater productions include The Tempest, Cymbeline, Burial at Thebes, Twelfth Night, Three Sisters, Macbeth, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, As You Like It, Laughter on the 23rd Floor, King Lear, Much Ado About Nothing. Romeo & Juliet, Lovebird Jamboree (Best Ensemble Award at Fresh Fruit Festival). Regional theater includes Rhinoceros (Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater), Legend of Sleepy Hollow (East Lynne Theater Company), Alexander and the Terrible... (Mill Mountain Theatre). As a director – New York theater productions include The Adding Machine, All My Sons, Separate Tables, 45 Seconds from Broadway, The Boys Next Door.
ALEXANDRA SCORDATO(House Manager/Show Rep)is a director, producer, and writer. She is drawn to new work that centers on the challenges of human relationships and the complexities of living in a global society. She is the Artistic Director & Founder of Forgotten Ones, an organization dedicated to telling the stories of those often overlooked and left behind, with a mission to support early career artists. As a director, her work has been seen at Gilded Balloon, Caveat, The Yard, Gallery Players, Dixon Place, Kraine Theater, New Short Play Festival and Artistic New Direction’s Eclectic Evening of Shorts. She has also assisted Joseph Discher on the Off-Broadway shows Butler (59E59) and The Violin (59E59). She graduated from Skidmore College with a bachelor’s degree in Theater and a concentration in Directing.
LLUVIA ALMANZA(House Manager/Show Rep)Theatre: Proud, The Mystery of the Green Teeth Ghost, Playing Possum, Chasing Juliet, Scrooge! A Zoom Christmas Carol, Krampus Search 2020 (Rising Sun Performance Company); Smoking is Bad for You! (Players Theatre); Sabor (Schapiro Studio); Mariposa/Butterfly (New Plays for Young Audiences); Parole in Place, o bailando cuando no nos queda otra, Re-Vitalize (IATI Theatre); The Outside (Metropolitan Playhouse). TV: “Broga”, “Dead of Night”. BFA: University of Texas - El Paso. Proud daughter of immigrants - without their sacrifices, I wouldn’t be where I am. To all those seeking a better life, I hope you find it.
Save The Date! Our Summer Reading SeriesFeaturing 7 New Plays from our Resident Playwrights Featuring the RSPC Ensemble CompanySunday, May 4th ÉLÉPHANT by Eva MeiLing Pollitt Monday, May 5th For the Love of (The Roller Derby Play) By Gina Femia Sunday, June 1st Heels Over Head By Susan Goodell Monday, June 2nd Heart By Judd Lear Silverrman Monday, June 9th Radio Eulogy By Kati Frazier Monday, June 16th The Armando Project By Orlando Rodriguez Monday, June 23rd Lakshmi Counts her Arms and Legs By Holly Hepp-Galván
