THE PLAY

As the tenth anniversary of September 11th approaches, Apple Core Theater Company will produce By the Dawn's Early Light, two new one-acts by Mel Nieves illustrating the impact of that fateful day on three Latino families in New York City. Directed by Walter J. Hoffman, performances will begin on August 11th at the Studio Theatre on Theatre Row.

In Los Embrujados, a nervous waiter at the Windows on the World restaurant studies with his gregarious brother for his impending U.S. Citizenship test. It's a time of possibilities on this bright, clear September morning, and as he prepares for his new life, "Los Embrujados" illuminates what it means to be an American.

Our second play, Midnight Mass, follows a group of New Yorkers connected by 9/11: a war veteran whose trauma may cost him his family; his brother, who must leave his pregnant fiancee to go on his first tour of duty; a nurse whose husband perished in the Towers; and a fireman desperate to reclaim the courage he knew as a First Responder. In the wake of tragedy, Midnight Mass reveals the profound struggle to regain hope and faith. 

THE DEAL

We are so, SO thankful for the generous friends we've met over the past year who have made the first phase of development for this project possible. But as a Tennessee Williams character might say, we must not only depend upon the kindness of our friends, but upon EVERYONE. That guy we always see on the train to work, the exceedingly cool couple we met at a buddy's party in Brooklyn, and grade school teachers whose first names we never knew. And you.

With two months before the show to go, we hope to raise $2,000. And we hope you'll help us with a completely tax-deductible donation.

And what's more, your campaign will not only help us put on this beautiful show:

** Just as we fundraised over $1,500 for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS during our recent production of As Is, we will "pass the hat" after every show to raise money for organizations that serve First Responders and the families of 9/11 victims.

** As affordability and accessibility are primary components of our mission, your support will also help keep our ticket price at a remarkable $15. You can't beat that in NYC.

** And of course, you'll make a lot of working theater artists who are passionate about the project very, very happy.

Want some reassurance that your donation -- no matter how great or small (or GRRRRRRRRREAT!!!) -- will make a difference? Then check out the levels to your right, which break down what your donation could pay for.

THE OTHER DEAL

Can't contribute now? For our sake and yours, don't go sleepless at night -- you can still make By the Dawn's Early Light possible. 

** Help us fundraise by sharing this link with your family and friends! Please consider Facebook, Twitter, email, smoke signals and semaphore!

** If you're in New York City, you can still make a huge impact by donating (or even lending!) furniture and props to the show. Just contact allison@applecoretheatercompany.org for more information. 

** We always need friends to get the word out about the shows.Tell them to like us on Facebook (and in real life), follow us on Twitter, to read our blog, and to sign up for our mailing list at www.applecoretheatercompany.org.

** Or maybe you want to see the show! And not only that, but we want to see you. Remember: tickets are only $15. At the beginning of July, you can find us on www.telecharge.com.

Thank you -- really, thank you for all your support. We look forward to sharing By the Dawn's Early Light with you this August!