Help Bring "Rhinoceros" to Life on Stage

We are happy to say the esteemed Lauren Reinhard, has signed on to direct! Hello. Tom Shaner and Jennifer Stepanyk here. We are long time friends and long time New York City performers. Tom is a critically acclaimed songwriter, producer and video director who studied theater at NYU and Jennifer is a working actress in stage, TV and film.

We are inspired and determined to mount the great absurdist comedy "Rhinoceros" by the highly regarded playwright Eugene Ionesco. He wrote this masterpiece in 1959. It is a very funny, and at times, scary play that takes place in small village where the people start turning into into Rhinoceros’. One man resists and is determined to remain true to humane ideals.

It is a comedic and at times dramatic play. A story about the both seductive pull of the herd mentality and the courage required to resist the dehumanizing ways of authoritarianism.

This play was very relevant to Post-War Europe, which had seen the rise of Fascism and Nazism. But many lessons from that harrowing time, that we THOUGHT we learned, need to be re-learned today.

In light of the political moment we are in, and in light of the herd-like reality of the digital zeitgeist, “Rhinoceros” is deserving of a fresh new staging.

Amazingly, we have obtained the rights to mount “Rhinoceros” this October. But we need your help. We have secured Fall performances dates at the legendary “Slipper Room” on the Lower East Side. A lovely and enchanting theater.

Help us put on a fine piece of theatrical entertainment that will make you laugh and think. “Rhinoceros” is a one of a kind play. Full of colorful characters, laughs, and a few dark turns.

We are seeking to raise at least $5,000.00 to cover the cost of the rights, crew, the theater and more. We plan to have a great team and great cast.

We pledge to be thrifty with all funds raised. No contribution is too small.

No sweepstakes, giveaways, or promotions are offered in exchange for any donations made to GoFundMe.

We won’t let ya down! Thank you in advance!

Tom and Jen