American Theater Group Stages Reading of New Play Levity

New York playwright Stephanie DiMaggio has written a play that wrestles with the impact of family secrets, and the fallout that ensues when fame and fortune don’t necessarily bring happiness. Now, American Theater Group will present a reading of Levity at the South Orange Performing Arts Center Loft on June 25 at 7 p.m. Tony Award-winning actress Michelle Pawk, and Tony Award-nominated John Dossett, who is currently appearing on Broadway in War Paint, will take the leads in this riveting story. David Ross and playwright Stephanie DiMaggio will round out the cast. The reading gives professional actors a chance to bring life to the play as they read with script-in-hand, and gives audiences the opportunity to provide valuable feedback to the playwright as she continues to refine the work. Benjamin Endsley Klein will direct.

The compelling drama begins as Dawn and Adam are trying to grieve their father in peace, but peace is hard to come by when your father was a music icon being grieved by millions.  A week after his death, the kids are paid an unexpected visit by his first wife and former bandmate Connie, who has come in search of closure … and cash.  The one time rock-goddess- turned-recluse, claims to have a story about their famous father that they simply won’t believe.  Or will they?  Over the course of one night, two families collide, secrets are revealed and art is unraveled – as they each learn that the price of fame was far greater than they imagined.  Now it is up to Dawn and Adam to decide how to salvage their father’s legacy without sacrificing their own.