New Play Opens at ATA

The new play by American Theatre of Actors (ATA) founder James Jennings, "Dancing in the Meadow," tells the story of the Andersons, a couple caught in a snowstorm as they await the arrival of a musician named Marvin. His return offers the chance to reunite "The Whispering Tumbleweeds," a band that has been silent for 40 years, pitting lifelong dreams against the harsh realities of a blizzard. Jennings, who serves as both writer and director, has been the artistic director of ATA since its inception in 1976. The theater is a landmark of the off-off-Broadway movement, providing a space for new works to develop away from commercial pressures. The production features a cast of seasoned independent theater actors. Ken Coughlin has been a mainstay at ATA, performing in and directing numerous productions. Ginger Kipps has also previously performed at ATA and co-directed a production of one-act plays with James Jennings. The cast is rounded out by Rick Jordan, who has appeared in multiple off-Broadway plays and student films, and Chiara Aiello, a New York-based actress and playwright. This blend of experienced and emerging talent is a hallmark of the productions at the American Theatre of Actors.