The goal of Big Box is to support new work and local artists. CPT provides:

– The James Levin Theatre
– Basic production staff, stage management, box office support
– Marketing and advertising support

The artists provide the rest! The writers, directors, actors, and designers selected for Big Box dedicate themselves to creating new and original work, or stretching their artistic powers by working in new disciplines.

Week #5: February 14 – 16 (Double Bill)
Half Cut

an unforgotten memory: A story unfolded

Half Cut

Written by Steve Maistros
Directed by Cat R. Kenney

Joel is ready to take the plunge and ask for his girlfriend’s hand in marriage. While sprucing up and preparing to meet his potential father-in-law for the first time, Joel has an unexpected situation at the barber shop.

This dark comedy follows Joel as he deals with a half haircut, unsympathetic girlfriend, uppity future father-in-law, insightful waitress and barbers with violent tendencies. Who knew that a bad hair day can make you reevaluate your entire life.

Artist Bio:
Steve Maistros’ work has appeared in the Boston Theater Marathon, Ingenuity Fest, The Fine Arts Association One Act Festival, Cleveland Public Theatre’s Pandemonium, Big Box & Little Box Series and Cain Park’s Local Playwright Weekend. Half Cutwas developed in Sarah Morton’s Playwriting Boot Camp. He lives in Cleveland with his wife Katy and sons Sam, Eli and Nick because it would be awkward if he lived with someone else’s wife Katy and sons Sam, Eli and Nick (not to mention confusing).

Cat R. Kenney is a local playwright, actor, cartoonist, teacher and maker of stuff. Sometimes she directs and feels fortunate there are so many amazing actors and talented playwrights in Cleveland willing to come along for the ride.Currently Cat is pursuing yet another graduate degree, this time in Speech and Hearing Therapy, at CSU. She has had a lifetime of bad hair and worse haircuts.

An Unforgotten Memory: A Story Unfolded

Conceived and Directed by Kevin D. Marr II
Featuring Rashawn Anderson, Chesly Harris-Johnson, Michelle Wilkerson-Guerry, Doug Pratt, Rhonda Hurrell, Lauren McMichael and Cedrick Taylor

Developed in CPT’s Leap/Conceive series; An Unforgotten Memory: A Story Unfolded was inspired by writings by Edgar Allen Poe, Pablo Neruda, Robert Frost and more. Told through the eyes of a young African American man, this choreopoem traces a family’s struggles with loss and abandonment. Using movement, spoken word and song, we see how no one goes through life’s trials alone and raises awareness on the culture of abandonment and the detrimental effects it has on families.

Artist Bio:
Kevin D. Marr II, mentor, performer, choreographer and director, is the Director to Cleveland Metropolitan School Districts All-City Dance Ensemble; as well an employee of Cleveland Metropolitan School District. Mr. Marr is a graduate of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District and attended Bowling Green State University studying Early Childhood Development and Cleveland State University studying Communication Management. The venues Mr. Marr has performed or directed include: PlayhouseSquare, The Hannah Theater at PlayhouseSquare, PBS Kids/WVIZ Ideal Center, Cleveland Public Theatre, Cleveland Play House, Cleveland Orchestra, Karamu House, Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland State University. Mr. Marr is always excited to be a part of any new performances and opportunities. Never allowing his craft to get in the way of it’s the purpose; Mr. Marr commits himself to give back through his work the joy that is within.