Hurdles, Hustles and Hassles

Blue Sphere Alliance has enjoyed a reputation for doing adventurous work of quality for some years now. It’s mounting its third annual Short Play Festival, Hurdles, Hustles and Hassles.

Hurdles, produced by Frank Noon, August 12, 20, 28, September 2, 10 and 18

“The Deal,” by L.A. Weekly Award winner Alyson Croft, tells of a fateful bargain made between an old woman and her grown granddaughter. The cast includes Croft, Peggy McCay, Daisy Mullen and Frank Noon. Ross Blake directs.

“White Sound” by Greg Suddeth details the drastic solution taken by one man who has to deal with the roommate from hell. A woman will be at the center of the conflict (surprise!). Trevor Anthony, Chase Hoyt and Emiko Seale are cast. Anthony Barnao directs.

“Angel Feathers,” also by Suddeth, is about a man and his dog, both with terminal cancer, who hear the summoning of angel wings and the invisible choir. With Suddeth, Rachel Seiferth and Joy Young. Christopher Le Crenn directs.

“Hustles,” produced by Matthew Saxe, August 13, 21, 26, September 3, 11 and 16

Steve Stajich directs his play “Soap.” A married and financially challenged couple has the opportunity to raise funds posing for sexually suggestive Internet pictures. With Saxe and Julie Stevens.

“Raincoat,” also by Stajich, depicts women from three different generations who encounter each other following a natural disaster. Greg Suddeth directs Elizabeth Graham, Lynne Pickett and Shivani Thakkar.

“Saturday in the Park” by Frank Noon relates the confrontation between a Black professional and a white homeless man one fateful weekend. Anthony Barnao directs Noon and Marc Wilson.

“Hassles,” produced by Julie Shimer, August 14, 19, 27, September 4, 9 and 17

“Holy Water” by Richard Vetere finds a man torn between two women looking to the Virgin Mary for guidance since his buddy’s advice is questionable. Anthony Barnao directs Alvin Lam and Ricardo Mamood.

“Red River Valley” by Julie Shimer depicts an aging woman pining for the cowboy who loved her so true, just like in the lyrics of the classic cowboy song, on the eve of her granddaughter’s wedding. Christopher Fessenden directs Shimer, Krista Conti and Robert Kotecki.

Anthony Barnao directs his play “Sins of the Father,” detailing the path of two estranged hoodlum brothers following a mugging. Jared Edwards, David Greene and John Wynn are the cast.

Box Office Hours: 1 hour prior to curtain

Group Sales Number (10+): 323-663-7973

Appropriate For Ages: 16-90