Playwright Spotlight: Meet Donna

ROUND 2 of our New Play-Reading Festival KICKS OFF this weekend (May 21-23) and we wanted to introduce you to our 4 finalists. Let’s meet playwright of Anne of Green Gables, Donna Hoke of New York.

When did you know you wanted to be a playwright?

When I wrote my first play. I’d tried other kinds of creative writing, but it wasn’t until I started writing a play that all the bells and whistles went off and I knew that’s the kind of writing I should be doing.

What was the 1st play you wrote?

COCKEYED TODAY about a group of people working for a soap opera magazine; write what you know! It was so overwritten that now it’s an hour-long one-act, though still unproduced. 

Why should audiences attend the New Play-Reading Festival?

Because new plays are the lifeblood of theater; without it, the art form is stagnant. Every show they love used to be a new play that somebody supported, so to be afforded that opportunity is to be part of keeping theater vital.

What do you hope audiences get from attending your play reading?

A fresh look at an old story, one that underscores themes in a more contemporary way. 

What’s it been like working with The Growing Stage team?

Wonderful; it’s a great assemblage of talent! I was impressed with the actors committed enough to email me helpful thoughts after the first reading.

About Anne of Green Gables:

When Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert decide to take in foster child Anne instead of the boy they requested, it’s with the hope that they can do her some good. As Anne comes of age, her curiosity, imagination, and capacity for love teaches all three of them what it means to create family and the importance of commitment to it. Adapted freely and timelessly from the classic by L.M. Montgomery. 

Join Us Saturday, May 22nd at 4:00PM on ZOOM!

Admission: $5

Ticketing System

  • Main Stage Performances are normally Saturdays at 4:00PM and Sunday at 2:00PM. Friday performances are on a limited basis at 7:30pm.
  • Studio Series Performances: Thursday/Friday at 7:30PM, Saturday at 4:00PM and Sunday at 2:00PM.
  • PLEASE NOTE: Local Flavor Coupons and Groupons cannot be redeemed online.  You must call the Box Office to reserve and redeem. Box Office is open daily Monday thru Friday from 10:30am to 3:00pm. Please call at least 24 hours prior to redeem.
  • Seating begins 30 minutes prior to each performance. If you select Will Call as your ticket delivery method, your tickets will be available for pick up starting an hour prior to the performance.
  • Seating is general admission except for season ticket holders and groups of 10 or more.
  • Sales are final and no refunds will be given unless the performance is cancelled. If you are unable to attend, please contact the Box Office and we will do our best to accommodate you at a different performance based on availability.
  • Concessions will be available for sale before the performance and during intermission. Outside food and drink is not allowed.
  • Parking is available in the bank parking lot next to the theatre (when the bank is closed), the park lot behind the bank lot, and on the surrounding streets. If needed, overflow parking is available at the Methodist Church down the street.
  • If you have any questions, please contact the Box Office at 973-347-4946 or boxoffice@growingstage.com and we will be happy to assist you.

    Group Sales (10 or more) are available by calling the Box Office at (973) 347-4946.

Please fill out this form to receive more information or call 973-347-4946

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