Vineyard Theatre and Fountain House Partner to Raise Awareness
On Wednesday, June 14th, 85 members, their families and friends, staff, donors and Board members of Fountain House had the great privilege of attending a performance of Stopping Traffic at The Vineyard Theatre in New York City.
Stopping Traffic is one woman's comic odyssey. In it, Mary Pat Gleason, known for her countless character roles in film, TV and theatre, relives her extraordinary lifelong experiences with bipolar disorder.
Initially scheduled to run through June 25, the show extended its engagement through July 2 in response to strong audience and critical support. Since its opening one week ago, the play has helped raise awareness of bipolar disorder and the experiences of men and women living with mental illness. Ms. Gleason hopes that her activism and awareness might assist Fountain House to open a facility in Los Angeles.
A popular feature of the show has become the nightly post-show Q&As between Ms. Gleason and the audience. She says, "These discussions have become an important part of the evening, providing audiences with the chance to learn more about mental illness -- considered by many to be the last 'taboo' -- and also giving people the rare and much-needed opportunity to speak publicly about their own experiences with mental illness, or the experiences of a family member or friend."
Stopping Traffic brings to life what we’ve always known and believed at Fountain House -- that men and women with mental illness, with a supportive community of family and friends, can overcome great obstacles to achieve their goals and dreams. Ms. Gleason’s story, and her courage to share it with the world, helps to change negative attitudes and misperceptions about people living with these illnesses.
Fountain House applauds Ms. Gleason and The Vineyard Theatre for their leadership in educating the public about mental illness. We encourage everyone who cares about someone with mental illness to see and experience Stopping Traffic.
The Vineyard Theatre is offering a special discount to Fountain House supporters and friends. Mention the code STGD35 when ordering and save $15 on full priced tickets. Stopping Traffic is playing on Tuesdays-Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 5pm at The Vineyard Theatre, 108 East 15th Street, New York, NY 10003.
For tickets visit www.vineyardtheatre.org or call 212.353.0303. Please note: this offer is not applicable on previously purchased tickets and is subject to regular service charges and availability. Offer may be revoked at any time.
MARY PAT GLEASON (Performer/Playwright) Film appearances include T+RAFFIC, THE ISLAND, THE CRUCIBLE, A CINDERELLA STORY, EVOLUTION, A WALK IN THE CLOUDS, LORENZO'S OIL, SOAP DISH, BASIC INSTINCT, MAN TROUBLE, SPEECHLESS and DEFENDING YOUR LIFE. Throughout her many years in the business, Mary Pat has guest-starred on virtually every television series including: DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES, SEX IN THE CITY, MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE, MURPHY BROWN, NYPD BLUE, ER, FRIENDS, WILL & GRACE and LA LAW.
LONNY PRICE has directed Broadway's MASTER HAROLD…AND THE BOYS and VISITING MR. GREEN, GROWN UPS, THE ROTHSCHILDS, SALLY MARR AND HER ESCORTS and JUNO. He co-wrote, directed and co-starred in the Tony Award-nominated Ed Kleban musical A CLASS ACT in 2001. As an actor, his credits include MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG, RAGS, MASTER HAROLD…AND THE BOYS, BURN THIS, and the film DIRTY DANCING
