playwright and producer

Gene Bruskin was born to a Jewish working class family in South Philadelphia and has been a life-long social justice activist, union organizer, poet, and playwright. Since retiring from the labor movement, Gene wrote his first play in 2016, a musical comedy for and about work and workers called Pray For the Dead-A Musical Tale of Morgues, Moguls and Mutiny. “Pray” also played as a radio drama on more than 30 public radio stations. More details about “Pray” can be found here: (https://www.prayforthedeadmusical.com)

The Moment Was Now, his second post-retirement musical played in Baltimore in 2019 and 2010, closed down by covid in March 2020. A professionally produced film of the musical has been shown in many venues since 2020. (www.themomentwasnow.org)

As a young playwright in Boston in the 1970s Gene collaborated with Ira Wood to write and produce two musicals, “The Stolen Bicycle Blues” which was also featured as a radio drama on WBAI (Boston) and elsewhere, and It’s Not the Bus, a story about racism in Boston during the historic busing for desegregation period.

During the seventies Gene interned with the San Francisco Mime Troupe and appeared briefly in the Troupe’s production of “Hotel Universe” about the 1977 historic struggle of Filipinos in the International Hotel.

Gene’s 40 year career in the labor movement began in 1978 as a school bus driver and union leader with the Steelworkers Union (USWA). During this period his play writing went on a long hiatus although he continued to create an ongoing body of songs and poems.

Gene lives in Silver Spring Maryland with his wife Evie and his daughter Nadja.

music director

Glenn Pearson, Bandleader and President of Glenn Pearson Productions, is a favorite performer for White House events, Heads of State, Kings and Queens, and many other discerning clients around the world! He is also a board member of the International Special Events Society.

Mr. Pearson often lends his talents as musical coordinator, orchestra leader, as well as pianist, to many events. Glenn is also Pianist and Music Director for the annual Helen Hayes Awards Show. His company, Glenn Pearson Productions, is a music and entertainment contracting business involving more than 200 musicians and other entertainers. In addition to donating his time and talent to music and entertainment productions, he gives the same to a wide array of charitable and civic groups, including Martha’s Table, Children’s Hospital, National Kidney Foundation, National Parkinson’s Foundation, and more. Glenn studied piano in the undergraduate and graduate divisions of Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore, MD.

Glenn is currently the Principal Organist at North Chevy Chase Christian Church in Chevy Chase, MD.

Director

Meet Jayné LaMondue Price - a theater aficionado with over 25 years of experience having received her theatrical training under the direction of the exteemed writer/director/producer Silvia Cooper Nelson of Memphis, Tennessee. Jayné has an extensive track record of working behind the scenes, including stage management, production, scene planning, coordinating and promoting community theater. Her versatiilty, skill, and passion have been on full dispay in performances as a child in church and school and formally with theater companies such as On The Road Theater, the Potomac Playmakers, Mark Brugh, and various independent productions.

Jayné's expertise is not limited to the theater. She holds a BA in Labor Studies from The National Labor College, is an executive administrative assistant at UNITE HERE HEALTH, and a licensed realtor in DC, Maryland and Virginia. Jayné has provided exclusive entertainment promotion and event planning services, including artist representation and concert/event production through her former business, JLP Enteprises.

Jayné is a consumate creative and as Director, delivers a unique prospective to this project bringing the playwright's vision to life by merging her knowledge and experience in the theater and labor movement with her passion for social justice.