Directed by Alysia Homminga, Rachel Schulte’s dramedy, THE MEMORY OF, is about found families, and the important role they play in the lives of queer people. The Memory Of follows the story of Renee, a young artist struggling to overcome personal trauma and the grief of losing a loved one. The family of friends she has built in New York, along with the sister who raised her, continue to try to navigate how to help her as she spirals. All the while, Renee and the others are coming to terms with the ever-changing relationships in their lives. Throughout the play, we shift between memories of the past and present day, weaving in and out as thought and reality fight for dominance in Renee’s life.
Which is which? And will she realize the truth before it’s too late?

PLEASE NOTE: TRIGGER WARNING: Suicide, Grief, Mental Illness, Emotional Abuse

The vibrant cast includes Nikki Lyn Neuror (Billions, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), Hunter Hopkins Dunn, Ria Meer, JulieThaxter-Gourlay (Law and Order: SVU), Tricia Mancuso Parks (Blacklist, Law and Order: SVU), Heather Abrado, Michael Thibeault, Russ Cusick (Law & Order, Wurtzle Brothers), and Julia Baker. Allison Hohman serves as stage manager.

Director Alysia Homminga has done extensive work in new work development in New York with credits that include Theater for the New City, The Tank, Gallery Players, and The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute. Writer-actor-singer, Rachel Schulte, along with Julie Thaxter-Gourlay, founded The Lipstick Project, one of the producing entities of The Memory Of. TLP strives to promote women and queer folks in the arts.

SHOWTONES spoke with one of the stars of this powerful drama,

NIKKI LYN NEUROHR (appearing as Renee)

ALL: What attracted you to present this play?

The role of Renee and the story that was hers to tell. Rachel Schulte is an exceptional writer and to get to work on one of her pieces is an absolute treasure. From the moment I read the character description to the audition to the first read through; I’ve felt deeply connected to the material, and being a painter and having the opportunity to combine both of my favorite mediums of art on stage – what more could an artist want? I feel so blessed to be here.

ALL: This play has a very powerful theme. What do you hope the audience takes away from seeing your show?

I hope with every fiber of my being that audiences walk away with heads & hearts full of love, and most of all the encouragement to face what frightens us and to move forward from the darkest places of our minds – for life is too beautiful to let the shadows consume us.

ALL: Why the Fresh Fruit festival?

I’m so excited to be a part of Fresh Fruit this year! It’s such a raw, real showcase of what the incredible queer artists of NYC have to offer. To have the opportunity to perform alongside such other rich talents is beyond a blessing and a dream.

ALL: What’s next? 

I’m really excited to share the dark comedy feature film “Baggage Claim” (which I wrote, produced, directed and starred in (yes, I’m exhausted)) is nearing the finish line of post production, and we will be submitting to festivals shortly! Additionally, another film I starred in, sci-fi thriller “WORLDS” (directed by Chris Hammarberg) recently had its world premiere at Panic Fest in Kansas City, and we’re looking forward to a continued successful festival run. There are several other indie films in various stages in the production pipeline but other than that, I’ll just continue to create, paint, and eagerly await what the universe throws my way next.

The Lipstick Project presents the premiere of producer/playwright
Rachel Schulte’s powerful drama dealing with the ultimate decision.

The Memory Of

TUESDAY 4/23 @ 6:30 pm
THURSDAY 4/25 @ 6:30 pm
SATURDAY 4/27 @ 3:30 pm

at the WILD PROJECT, 195 E 3rd St, New York City

All seats: $23

Single Events or Build Your Own Schedule of Shows

Ticket Available HERE

Contact info@jaymichaelsarts.com for further details