CREATIVE TEAM

PETER MICHAEL MARINO (CREATOR)

Pete is a NYC-based writer, producer, performer, and educator whose work has been seen on five continents. His live, digital version of “Planet of the Grapes” received the 2021 Infallibles Award for Creativity. He’s the creator of the long-running, interactive family comedy “Show Up, Kids!,” “Show Up,” and “Desperately Seeking the Exit.” His solo shows have received critical acclaim around the world. Pete was a frequent collaborator with former Washington National Opera and The Kennedy Center, creating numerous educational videos and live stage shows. He is the resident Director of NYC Kids Project - directing and developing puppet shows advocating inclusion and acceptance. He is the writer of the West End’s “Desperately Seeking Susan” musical which also received critical acclaim in Tokyo at Theater Creation. Pete appeared in STOMP for five years Off-Broadway.

Pete’s production company PM2 Entertainment has presented the EdFringe debut of Jason Kravits' “Off the Top,” the NYC debut of “Joe's NYC Bar,” David Mills: “Shame! at Pangea,” LA comedy duo Moby Alpha, and the acclaimed solo show hit “David Carl's Celebrity One-Man Hamlet” in NYC, Edinburgh and Chicago. website

MICHOLE BIANCOSINO (DIRECTOR)

is one of the Co-Founding Artistic Directors of Project Y Theatre, a company that has launched world premieres in NYC, regionally, and internationally for over two decades.  Ed Fringe credits include: “David and Katie Get Re-Married” at Underbelly, "Show Up, Kids!" at Free Fringe, “Trump Lear” and "David Carl's Celebrity One-Man Hamlet" at Pleasance, and acting in the hit show “Yoga with Jillian” at Pleasance for two years before touring it in the US. Michole produces NYC's Women in Theater Festival, now entering its 12th year, dedicated to going Beyond Parity by producing new works by women writers and lead creatives with casts that feature women. She's an Associate Professor of Theatre at Middlebury College and a graduate of Rutgers University Mason Gross School of the Arts Directing program. Check out more of her work at www.womenintheater.org

MICHAEL HARREN (ORIGINAL SCORE)

Brooklyn-based composer and performer Michael Harren combines elements of classical composition with experimental electronics and storytelling to create hypnotic and boldly intimate work that walks the line between Laurie Anderson, Peter Gabriel and Dead Can Dance. He is artist-in-residence at Tamerlaine Farm Animal Sanctuary where he created the solo multi-media theater pieceThe Animal Show, which premiered in New York City in 2016 and continues to be performed in venues throughout the United States.

In his first solo show, Tentative Armor, he combined piano, synthesizers, various electronics, and live musicians with his unique storytelling, resulting in a deeply moving, highly entertaining performance. Through his resonant, powerful, very personal stories, Harren envelops the audience in a funny, poignant, highly intimate tour of his own self-discovery through spirituality, sexuality, and grief. Music, text and photos from the show were released in an album and book of the same name.

Michael Harren has toured as pianist with Sandra Bernhard, is the musical director for Cabaret for a Cause, and has performed at Dixon Place, (le) poisson rouge, Joe’s Pub, Judson Memorial Church, Manhattan Theater Source, The Duplex, Don’t Tell Mama, The Laurie Beechman Theater as well as numerous venues around the country. Michael is a Moogfest artist who presented No Permission Needed: Create with Senator Jaiz at Moogfest 2017. website

PROJECT Y THEATRE COMPANY (CO-PRODUCER)

The Award winning, Project Y Theatre Company, is an outside-the-box theatre company that supports the creation, development, and production of new works for the stage in New York City. 2021 marks our 22nd year as a company committed to supporting playwrights and their plays, innovating new ways of using technology onstage and digitally, and with a focus on women and LGBTQ voices. Recent programming includes award-winning Zoom Plays series, NYC’s Women in Theatre Festival, and Tiny Barn Theatre. Project Y positions new plays & new voices to be part of the theatrical conversation. www.projectytheatre.org

SPARKDOG PRODUCTIONS (PRODUCER NYC)

Sparkdog Productions is the brainchild of Sally Winters; this is her second venture as co-producer. Sally is dedicated to supporting fellow artists and new works; recent investments include Kimberly Akimbo and Swept Away. She is thrilled to be a part of Grapes & thanks PMM for the opportunity.

RICHARD JORDAN PRODUCTIONS (CO-PRODUCER, EDFRINGE)

Richard Jordan Productions is an Olivier, TONY and EMMY Award-winning creative production company based in London, under the artistic leadership of British producer Richard Jordan. Founded in 1998, his company has produced over 260 productions in the UK as well as 28 other countries, including 91 world premières, producing and collaborating with many of the world’s leading theatres, as well as a long relationship with the Edinburgh Fringe. His company has been at the forefront of developing and/or commissioning works often with a strong social and political agenda. A new writing and musical theatre specialist, Richard is described by The Stage newspaper as “one of the UK’s most prolific theatre producers,” and has produced extensively in North American theatre developing and presenting work by some of its country’s most exciting new and leading contemporary artists, writers, and companies both On and Off-Broadway, and at many of its leading theatres including Chicago Shakespeare Theater as their International Producing Partner. Richard’s past productions have won over 60 major awards including: the TONY Award for Best Play (and 11 other TONY nominations); the Laurence Olivier Award; Dora; EMMY; 17 Scotsman Fringe Firsts; Amnesty International Freedom of Expression Award; Spirit of the Fringe; two Herald Angels; 10 Total Theatre Awards; US Black Alliance Award; Obie; and the John Gassner Award for Best New American Play. For more information about our productions email us at: info@richardjordanproductions.com

MIKE CHIODO (PHOTOS & GRAPHICS)

Mike Chiodo is a photographer living in NYC. Originally from Buffalo, NY, he intended on becoming a geneticist until realizing his heart was in the arts. After 15 years as a graphic designer/production artist, Mike returned to his true passion, photography. Mostly self-taught, Mike’s photographic interest lies somewhere between documentary and fine art. He currently focuses on photographing portraits, construction and skyscapes, as well as his “pet project,” a fine art series entitled FloraMUS (“flower/mouse”). His photos have been featured by The Stuttering Association for the Young, BroadwayCares, New York Historical Society Museum and numerous musician projects and publications. Mike is also Creative Director and songwriter for Holidelic, an annual funk holiday show. www.mikiodo.com

SPECIAL THANKS

Michael Andrew, Elizabeth Dement, Andi Lee Carter, Denise Yaney, Erez Ziv & Frigid NYC