Montblanc Presents the Special 10th Anniversary Production of THE 24 HOUR PLAYS ON BROADWAY

NEW YORK, Oct. 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Montblanc announced today that THE 24 HOUR PLAYS ON BROADWAY special 10th anniversary production will be held in New York City on Monday, November 14, 2011. An annual benefit event produced by the 24 Hour Company and Freestyle Picture Company for Urban Arts Partnership, THE 24 HOUR PLAYS ON BROADWAY attracts some of entertainment's biggest names as they join forces to participate in an extreme rite of theater: writing, directing, and performing 6 original short plays, all in just 24 hours. This year's production will feature a special 10th anniversary theme to celebrate the immense success of this partnership and the thousands of students who have benefited from programs made possible by this fundraiser.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101022/NY87278LOGO )

This year's company members, include schedule permitting: Actors- Amber Tamblyn (Emmy and Golden Globe Nominee for Joan of Arcadia), Billy Crudup (Tony Award Winner for Coast of Utopia), Carla Gugino (Watchmen, Entourage, Desire Under the Elms), Cheyenne Jackson (30 Rock, Glee), David Cross (The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret), Diane Neal (Law & Order: SVU), Gabourey Sidibe (Oscar Nominee for Precious), Greta Gerwig (Greenberg), Jack McBrayer (Emmy Award nominee for 30 Rock), Jason Biggs (American Pie Series), Jason Sudeikis (SNL), Jesse Eisenberg (Academy Award Nominee for The Social Network), John Krasinski (The Office), Julia Stiles (Emmy Award and Golden Globe Nominee for Dexter), Justin Bartha (The Hangover series), Kathy Najimy (King of the Hill), Lake Bell (No Strings Attached, How to Make it in America), Megan Fox (Friends With Kids), Nia Vardalos (Oscar Nominee for My Big Fat Greek Wedding), Nick Swardson (30 Minutes or Less), Rachel Dratch (Saturday Night Live), Rosie Perez (Close Up Space at MTC 2011), Sarah Silverman (The Sarah Silverman Program), Tracy Morgan (Emmy Award Nominee for 30 Rock), Woody Harrelson (Two Time Oscar Nominee for The Messenger, The People Vs. Larry Flynt); Directors- Derek Cianfrance (Blue Valentine), Josie Rourke (Artistic Director, Donmar Warehouse, London), Peter Ellenstein (Artistic Director, Inge Center), Thomas Kail (Tony Award Nominee for In the Heights), Tony Goldwyn (Conviction); Writers- David Lindsay-Abaire (Pulitzer Prize for Rabbit Hole), Doug Wright (Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award Winner for I Am My Own Wife), Lynn Nottage (Pulitzer Prize and Drama Desk Winner for Ruined), Rachel Axler (Emmy Award Winner for The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, Parks and Recreation), Terrence McNally (Four-time Tony Award Winner for Master Class, Ragtime, Love!Valour! Compassion!, Kiss of the Spider Woman); Musical Act- Laura Bell Bundy(Legally Blonde) and Andy Davis (Let the Woman). Talent subject to change.

Since the first annual production in 2001, THE 24 HOUR PLAYS ON BROADWAY benefit has been a driving force in helping Urban Arts Partnership grow from a $400K to a 4 million dollar organization, from serving 8 to 60 schools and from serving 2,000 to 12,000 students.

Rosie Perez, actress and Urban Arts Partnership Artistic Board Chair, explains, "It's hard to believe that it's the 10th anniversary of The 24 Hour Plays on Broadway! I haven't missed a single show, not only because there is no experience quite like it but more importantly because since its inception this event has helped grow Urban Arts Partnership into the organization it is today serving sixty schools across New York City reaching thousands of students. Montblanc's support over the past 5 years has taken the event to a new level, affording our students unparalleled opportunities to be involved in Master Classes, 24 Hour Plays in the Schools and the Young Writers Program."

The creative process for THE 24 HOUR PLAYS ON BROADWAY will begin at 10PM on Sunday, November 13th -- the night before the show -- when a group of six writers, six directors, 24 actors, two musical guests, and a production staff gather at the American Airlines Theatre. After each of the cast members share a costume, prop, their special skills and stage desires -- each writer is tasked with composing a ten-minute play by 7 AM the following morning, when the directors return to read and select their piece. The casts will meet for the first time at 9 AM and, over the next 12 hours the plays are rehearsed and produced for a live presentation. At 8:00 PM, ink barely dry, the six new plays -- interspersed with six musical acts -- will be performed for a live audience.

As the main sponsor of THE 24 HOUR PLAYS ON BROADWAY, Montblanc continues to demonstrate the on-going support and commitment to arts and culture. "This very special 10th anniversary production is a testament to the continued success of the partnership with Urban Arts. This year's 10th anniversary production marks a decade of advancement in arts education," said Jan-Patrick Schmitz, President and CEO of Montblanc North America. "Montblanc and myself personally are dedicated and committed to the continuation to provide inspiration in arts education to thousands of urban youth. We are proud to give our undying support and thankful to be a part of such a wonderful cause."

Continuing its commitment to fostering emerging talent, Montblanc held its 3rd annual Young Writer’s Program on October 24 where seven Urban Arts’ playwriting alumni had the opportunity to compete for a chance to write on Broadway. In a 24 hour period, all seven penned short plays that were performed by the cast of HBO’s “How to Make it In America” Lake Bell, Bryan Greenberg and Victor Rasuk and  “Boardwalk Empire” star Michael Kenneth Williams before an audience of industry professionals and a panel of judges. The winning playwright, Anthony Naranjo, a freshman at Elmira College will create one of the six short pieces for THE 24 HOUR PLAYS ON BROADWAY.  The MONTBLANC YOUNG WRITER’S PROGRAM is at the heart of Montblanc’s philosophy of helping others.  

LISTINGS INFORMATION:  Montblanc presents THE 24 HOUR PLAYS ON BROADWAY on Monday, November 14th, 2011 at the American Airlines Theatre (227 West 42nd Street). All participating artists are subject to change. Via Subway, take the 1/2/3/A/C/E/N/Q/R/S/W to 42nd Street/Times Square or F/D/V/B trains to 42nd Street.  Tickets are available at www.SmartTix.com, (212) 868-4444 and to Citi® card members by contacting [email protected].

About MONTBLANC - For over 100 years, Montblanc has embraced the traditions of lasting value and exquisite craftsmanship. The company's uncompromising principles of design, style, quality and workmanship have allowed them to create heirloom collections that are passed from generation to generation. The iconic Montblanc Star is a symbol of excellence -- the pinnacle of luxury writing instruments, timepieces, jewelry and leather -- and the brand has made an enduring commitment to encourage excellence through cultural advancement. Montblanc is pleased to partner with the 24 Hour Company and Urban Arts Partnership to bring arts and culture to the city's youth.  www.montblanc.com

About THE 24 HOUR COMPANY - In October 1995, the first production of The 24 Hour Plays took place on Manhattan's LES. Inspired by Scott McCloud's 24 hour comics (comic books composed in a single day), the project was intended as a one-time-only event. Sixteen years and hundreds of plays later, The 24 Hour Plays have been produced in New York, London, Los Angeles, and Chicago. This success has led to collaboration with organizations like The Old Vic and Urban Arts Partnership, to produce celebrity shows that benefit a variety of worthy causes. Participants have included diverse talents from all levels -- from Tony, Oscar and Pulitzer Prize winners to emerging talent and high school students.  In addition, The 24 Hour Company has developed licensing program for amateur and student groups based on the successful formula.  http://www.24hourplays.com

About FREESTYLE PICTURE COMPANY- The founders of Freestyle, Kevin Chinoy and Francesca Silvestri, teamed up with the 24 Hour Company in 2001 to use the 24 Hour Plays concept in the creation of a truly unique sponsored benefit event. This partnership continues with this 11th year of the event in NYC, and has also brought the event to LA. Freestyle is a TV and film production company based in LA.

About URBAN ARTS PARTNERSHIP - Urban Arts Partnership advances the intellectual, social and artistic development of underserved public school students through arts-integrated education programs to close the achievement gap. Through a dynamic range of programs including playwriting, theater, media, music, dance, spoken word, photography and the visual arts, Urban Arts Partnership empowers youth to develop the creative and analytic impulses that will serve them as students, professionals and responsible citizens.  The 24 Hour Plays in the Schools runs throughout the academic year. www.urbanarts.org

SOURCE Montblanc

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