There's another new company on the South Florida scene, this one dubbed What if Works Inc. Not the simplest company name, maybe, but the concept and mission are interesting.
Phillip Church, who has taught theater for 32 years at Florida International University, is artistic director of the not-for-profit company aimed at giving young artists professional opportunities in theater, film and music.
The mission statement reads this way: "What if Works offers theatre, film and music graduates a creative bridge by which to transition from an academic environment to the professional world of entertainment while sustaining the power of literature through the exploration of works that champion compassion and social justice."
The troupe's first effort is a production of South Florida native Grace McKeaney's play How It Hangs, an insightful comedy about four women at a Wyoming gas station, gals who have abusive pasts in common. A percentage of ticket sales will be donated to No More Tears, a Plantation-based support group for women dealing with domestic abuse.
Chelsea Wallach directs Vicky Collado, Michelle Antelo, Melissa Ann Hubicsak, Lali Navarro and Gabriel Bonilla in the play, which will be performed at three locations: City Church, 1400 Krome Ave., Homestead, at 8 p.m. Aug. 23-25, 2 p.m. Aug. 26; the Roxy Performing Arts Center, 1645 SW 107th Ave., Miami, at 8 p.m. Aug. 29-30; and the Sunrise Civic Center, 10610 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Sunrise, at 8 p.m. Sept. 8 as part of the No More Tears gala fundraiser.
Tickets are $12 at City Church and Roxy; call 305-271-1073 for Homestead info, 305-226-0030 for the Roxy performance, or visit the company's web site. Gala tickets are $20, available by calling 954-646-2955 or visiting the No More Tears web site.
