Between Riverside and Crazy / Jesus Hopped the “A” Train
By Stephen Adly Guirgis
Directed by Patrick White / Evan Jones
Harbinger / Albany Civic Theater
235 Second Ave
Albany, NY 12209
Monday, 5/19 & Tuesday, 5/20
6:30 signup, 7pm start
Reading from script sides.
Seeking diverse, non-equity actors for these two amazing plays by this extraordinary playwright. In a unique collaboration Harbinger & Albany Civic Theater will share audition times for these two plays. Harbinger presents “Between Riverside and Crazy” at ACT 7/18-7/27 and ACT presents “Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train” 9/19-10/5.
We encourage performers of all ethnicities, gender identities, and ages, as well as performers with disabilities, to submit.
Please bring all conflicts between 5/29-7/27
for Riverside and thru 10/5 for Jesus.
Between Riverside and Crazy tells the story of Walter “Pops” Washington, an ex-cop and recent widower, who, with his recently paroled son Junior, struggle to hold on to one of the last rent-stabilized apartments on Riverside Drive. The old days seem to be dead and gone for the two as old wounds are opened, sketchy new houseguests turn up and a final ultimatum is delivered.
Walter “Pops” Washington:
50-60’s A retired black NYPD officer who is central to the story. He’s a complex character, filled with anger, wit, and vulnerability, as he struggles with his past, his identity, and his ongoing legal battle with the police department.
Junior:
20-30’s Pops’ black son, who has recently moved back in with him. He’s trying to turn his life around but is also tangled in questionable activities and relationships.
Oswaldo:
20-30’s Latino. A recovering addict and one of Junior’s friends. He’s staying with Pops and has moments of both humor and poignancy as he works on his sobriety.
Lulu:
20-30’s Latina. Junior’s girlfriend, who is cheerful but perhaps a bit naïve. She often provides comic relief while also revealing deeper emotional layers.
Church Lady:
30-40’s An enigmatic and spiritual figure who visits Pops. Her presence in the play adds an unexpected and surreal twist.
Lieutenant Caro:
40-50’s Italian. A current NYPD officer and friend of Pops. He brings tension into the story as he tries to navigate loyalty and duty.
Detective O’Connor:
40-50’s, is Pops’ former partner in the NYPD. She is a layered character, torn between her personal loyalty to Pops and her professional responsibilities.
“...‘Between Riverside and Crazy,’ which premiered off Broadway at the Atlantic Theater Company in 2014 and won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, is both a captivating collection of character studies and an incisive indictment of the systems that act upon them. It’s a stunning intellectual achievement that’s also a total gas, a rare breed of theater deserving of protection at all costs.”-Variety
Between Riverside and Crazy will be Harbinger’s 16th Capital Region premiere and our third production at Albany Civic Theater. $50 Flex Pass for 4 tickets available by emailing
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Please direct any questions to Patrick White,
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Jesus Hopped the “A” Train
Jesus Hopped the A Train tells the story of several inmates of Rikers who are awaiting charges for murder. Angel Cruz is a young Puerto Rican man incarcerated for shooting a cult leader after said person “stole” his best friend. When the cult leader dies during surgery, Angel suddenly finds himself facing murder charges. Added to the mix are Lucius Jenkins, a serial killer turned born-again Christian, and Valdez, a sadistic corrections officer. Jesus Hopped first opened off-Broadway in November of 2000. It was directed by Philip Seymour Hoffman (yes, that Philip Seymour Hoffman) and ran until the end of December that same year. Two years later a similar production was mounted at London’s Donmar Warehouse. Jesus Hopped was fairly well received by critics and though it did not pick up any major awards in its US run, it was nominated for an Olivier Award in the UK in the category of Best New Play in 2003.
Angel Cruz (Latino, 20s–30s)
A young Puerto Rican man from New York. Street-smart, impulsive, and fiercely loyal. Angel is in jail for shooting a cult leader, which he sees as an act of righteousness. He’s deeply conflicted — angry at the system, unsure of his faith, and searching for meaning.
Lucius Jenkins (Black, 30s–40s)
A charismatic and intelligent man convicted of multiple murders. Now born-again and deeply spiritual, Lucius is confident, captivating, and eloquent. He sees himself as redeemed by God but is still wrestling with his past. The actor must bring depth, charm, and menace all at once.
Mary Jane Hanrahan (Any ethnicity, Female, 20s–40s)
Angel’s public defender. Tough, principled, and deeply empathetic. A professional who’s idealistic but not naive, Mary Jane believes in justice and tries to do the right thing, even when the system works against her. Must portray subtle strength and vulnerability.
Charlie D’Amico (White, Male, 30s–50s)
A longtime prison guard. Kind-hearted and old-school, Charlie treats the inmates with respect and humanity. He tries to do his job with dignity and fairness. A voice of calm and reason amidst chaos.
Valdez (Any ethnicity, Male, 20s–50s)
A newer guard with a chip on his shoulder. Cruel, power-hungry, and antagonistic. He masks his insecurity with aggression and has a bitter streak. Valdez provokes and tests both Angel and Lucius. Strong presence, intimidating energy.
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