Conversation, music, surprises and more…

HIGHLAND LAKE, NY - NACL Theatre will be the location of a live talk show on Friday, July 7 at 7:00 p.m. Five diverse members of the community will be interviewed, Charlie Rose style, by the acclaimed director of Portland’s Sojourn Theatre, Michael Rohd. Each interview will be 20 to 30 minutes in length.

The live talk show is part of the research for “American Value,” a community performance that NACL Theatre, Sojourn Theatre, the amazing stilt dancers from Carpetbag Brigade and Strike Anywhere are making in collaboration with community members. “American Value” will be based upon over 30 interviews that Rohd is currently conducting in the Delaware Valley River region. “American Value” will premiere at the opening weekend of The NACL Catskill Festival of New Theatre on July 14 and 15.

The event is free. There will be live jazz in between interviews, fresh popcorn and bar refreshments. The audience is free to drop in and out as they please.

For more information visit www.nacl.org or call 845/557-0694. NACL is located at 110 Highland Lake Road.

The Interviewees

Carl Graham is a 40-year-old African American, who resides in Kiamesha Lake, NY. He is assistant director of the Sullivan County Youth Advocate Program (a non-profit agency that works with kids at risk placement). He coaches woman’s basketball at Liberty High School, and has lived in Sullivan County since 1999.

Barbara Gref is from a little place called Salisbury Mills in Orange County, NY, just over the hill, and currently lives in Jeffersonville. She is a journalist who is at this time editor and co-owner of The Towne Crier, a weekly newspaper n Sullivan County.

Victoria Harman is a junior-to-be at Sullivan West High School. She was born in Cochecton, moved recently to Kenoza Lake, and is a member of the Youth Radio Project at WJFF.

Rich Simonelli is a resident of Yulan, member of the Highland Fire Department, and a professional contractor, builder and carpenter.

Tony LaRuffa is a resident of Barryville, serves as one of two Town of Highland Justices, and is the Grand Knight of The Knights of Columbus. He delivers the mail for Highland Lake and Eldred, and is a member of fire department and ambulance corps. He is also a member of the Highland Lion’s Club. Originally from Brooklyn, he moved to the area in 1986, and is a retired detective, NYPD.

Tannis Kowalchuk is an actress and resident of Highland Lake, NY She is a Canadian citizen and co-artistic director of NACL Theatre.