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. The resulting performances are always amazing and well attended. Big [BOX] performances and artists often go on to receive larger exposure and production at CPT.

Week #3: January 28-30
Mother/Tongue

Written by Claire Robinson May
Directed by Danielle Hisey
Dramaturg: Rose Sengenberger
Set Designer: Bobby Coyne
Lighting Designer: Ben Gantose
Sound Designer: James Kosmatka
Featuring: Katherine Rommel, Amber Oxley, Dan Sekanic, Dan McCarthy, Erin Bunting, Marcia Mandell

In Mother/Tongue, a family’s quiet dysfunction bubbles to the surface as workaholic mother Margot begins obsessively preparing Julia Child’s gruesome beef tongue recipe, disappearing for hours, and speaking only French. Her two teenagers struggle in a world of their own, and no one is talking. Margot’s husband Tom, mother-in-law Beverly, and best friend Jane try to slice and dice to the heart (or is it the tongue?) of the matter. Emotions reach the boiling point, as the outward environment of the stage begins to reflect the inner turmoil of the characters.

Mother/Tongue was performed as a staged reading in CPT’s Little Box series in November 2009.Mother/Tongue returns with another strong ensemble cast, including some familiar faces from Little Box. Mother/Tongue, in its repressed and overt madness, examines what happens when we don’t see or discuss what is right in front of us, and when we fail those we love the most. With elements of drama, comedy, mystery, and tragedy,Mother/Tongue serves up a platter of isolation, communication, motherhood, food and love. Bon appétit!

Artist Bio:
Claire Robinson May is a playwright in the NEOMFA program. She is a native Clevelander, and graduated from Cleveland Heights High School, Harvard College, and Case Western Reserve University School of Law. She teaches legal writing at Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, Cleveland State University. Her play Mother/Tongue was performed in 2009 as a staged reading in CPT’s Little Box series.

Danielle Hisey graduated from Malone University with a bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts. Previous CPT credits include; Boom, The Aperture, Cut to Pieces, The Alice Seed, Don’t Call Me Fat – Stage Management. Open Mind Firmament (as Eithne/Sidhe), Mother/Tongue – Little Box 2009 (director), Kissmet – [Big] Box 2008 (director) and Cramped – Big [Box] 2010 (writer & performer). Thank you Raymond Bobgan, Beth Wood and the CPT staff for all their support and care.