From his chair on a countryside 'front porch' setting, David will captivate his guests with a fascinating personal and historical portrait of America throughout several of its most turbulent periods, including the anti-war demonstrations of the 60's, the sexual revolution of the 70's, the dark days of the AIDS crisis in the 80's, and the controversy of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" in the 90's. The chapters of Front Porch will be interwoven with folk-inspired music by Josh Zuckerman and Holly Holcomb to highlight the narrative content.
The show came about through a short conversation in an elevator ride that Mixner took with Ranney while at Dixon Place in Fall of 2010. The Dixon Place marketing director asked the long-time peace & LGBT activist when he was doing his life story as a staged production, and the gregarious Mixner agreed on the spot. "Like everything David has tackled in his life, he jumped into this project with enthusiasm, excitement, creativity, and commitment. He's been the best sport I've ever worked with on an original project," said Ranney. The play is being framed and directed by Stephen Brackett who recently received critical acclaim for his recent production of Be A Good Little Widow at Ars Nova.
The July 11th performance is a benefit for Dixon Place and the Ali Forney Center and has been the highest revenue-producing show at the intimate, critically acclaimed 25 year old downtown developmental theater. Through advance word-of-mouth ticket sales and donations, Mixner has also achieved a personal goal of raising enough income to pay for all of the HOT Festival artist's fees during the entire run of the popular, summer long Queer Festival of Performance, a first for Dixon Place. "I'm really proud that I can help support these artists and their work, especially when there are fewer opportunities and venues to show new and challenging work - HOT provides them with a vital platform to, not only entertain, but to express their views in safe, non-judgmental and nurturing environment."
From The Front Porch: An Evening With David Mixner has been generously underwritten by a gift from Amy Robbins and Jeff Towers. The production is part of the 20th Annual HOT Festival running June 24 - August 6th at Dixon Place.
When: Monday, July 11th at 7:30pm *A benefit for Dixon Place and the Ali Forney Center* | Monday, July 18th at 7:30pm
Where: Dixon Place | 161A Chrystie Street (between Rivington & Delancey) | New York, NY 10002
Tickets: Tickets for the benefit: $100 - $3000 and can be can be purchased at www.ovationtix.com. Tickets for the second performance can be purchased at www.dixonplace.org | $50 reserved, priority seating (includes 1 complimentary drink) | $15 advance | $20 at door (based upon availability)
