About LMNO Theatre
Mission Statement
We, the LMNO Theatre Company, are dedicated to the exploration of the human condition and the evolution thereof through the dramatic interpretation of literary works specifically formulated for the discovery of truths in modern human nature. Each project we embrace enlightens our company and our audiences collectively. Each theatrical experience we represent challenges social, political, or moral issues relevant to today's society without sacrifice of truly enjoyable artistic performance. We logically rebel against the recycling of traditional theatrical styles and strive to define the complexity of human interaction through experimental artistic expression while maintaining the integrity of structural form. It is our goal to create through practical artistic ventures a shift from the stagnant pool of commercially safe revival to the focused expansion of a new theatrical movement. Complacency is our enemy.
Our Board of Directors
Jeff
Bedillion is a founding board member of the LMNO Theatre Company.
He is originally from Alabama and is a seven year New York resident. He
has his BFA in Theatre from Kent State University. He serves as Artistic
Director, as well as company director, writer, and actor. He made his New
York directorial debut with the 2003 production of Forbidden Fruit,
for which he received the Fresh Fruit Festival award for Best Director.
His past directorial/producing credits include Falsetto Land, The
Rocky Horror Picture Show, Assassins, and Medea.
Lynn Wheeler is a founding board member
of the LMNO Theatre Company. He is a native of Ohio and is a six year New
York resident. He studied fashion design at Kent State University, where
he met Jeff Bedillion and they began their collaboration. He credits his
mother, a tailor, with teaching him most of his craft. He serves as the
Communications Director, as well as company costume designer and actor.
He made his New York costume design debut with the 2003 production of Forbidden
Fruit.
Jose
Navarro is originally from Honduras and currently resides in Atlantic
City, New Jersey. Seeking a new business venture he joined the LMNO Theatre
Company in 2005 to help produce the "Biblical Bitches" series and is funding
"The Adventures of Everywoman." His interest in theatre production is relatively
new, but he brings with him a vast knowledge of the business world, having
previously run businesses in his native Honduras and in New Jersey.
Our History
The LMNO Theatre Company was conceptualized by Jeff Bedillion in 1995 when he originally produced Forbidden Fruit in Ohio. After meeting Lynn Wheeler while attending Kent State University, both he and Mr. Wheeler decided to move to New York. In conjunction with Joel Peterson, the company produced Forbidden Fruit in 2003 in its New York Debut at the Fresh Fruit Festival (an International Lesbian/Gay Theatre and Performance Festival). In July of 2004 Forbidden Fruit reopened at Wings Theatre in the West Village. LMNO is currently presenting the first in a series of four plays (titled “Biblical Bitches”) called The Adventures of Everywoman produced by Jose Navarro, the newest member of the company’s board of directors.
Company Artists
Ethan Hein (company composer) has written music for film, theater and
his numerous bands. His first original musical, Über, debuted in Target
Margin Theater’s Operatic Age series in 2002. More recently, he wrote
songs with Jeff Bedillion for LMNO Theatre Company's Forbidden Fruit,
and he improvised a live score for True Stories From The ER in the
2003 NYC Fringe Festival. He keeps up an active performance schedule
in the club scene with his jazz octet The Poma-Swank, the critically
acclaimed country music slideshow cabaret act Andy Friedman & The Other
Failures, and other up and coming young musicians. Hear all of these
projects and more at www.ethanhein.com.
Robert
Abid (company actor) is originally from New Jersey, and is a graduate
of Rutgers University, where he received a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. He
studies acting at HB studios. Robert is also a former Mr. India, New York.
He made his LMNO Theatre Company debut in the 2003 production of Forbidden
Fruit, for which he received the audience award for Best Actor from the
Fresh Fruit Festival. He has since acted in two independent films. He currently
works as an HIV pharmacist. He reprised his role as Michael in the 2004
production of Forbidden Fruit. For more info visit www.bobbyabid.com
Kurt Alger (company actor) is a native New Yorker. He has his degree in Performance from Wagner College’s theatre department. Kurt debuted with the LMNO Theatre Company in the 2003 production of Forbidden Fruit. He also serves as a company choreographer. His past credits include Paul (A Chorus Line), Simeon (Joseph...), Paul (Kiss Me Kate), and Ms. Hanigan (Annie), ensembles of Jesus Christ Superstar and Damn Yankees, Father Jack in Jack or The Submission. Choreography credits include work on Godspell, H2$, Funny Thing...Forum, various dance concerts and cabaret performances. He reprised his role as Mommie in the 2004 production of Forbidden Fruit. He has since been hosting a monthly show “Cosmic Cabaret” as his alter ego Cosmic Fabulousity at XES Lounge.
Josh
Berresford moved to New York in October of 2003 after acting non-stop in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for two years. Josh debuted with the LMNO Theatre Company in 2004 also making his New York acting debut as Brian in Forbidden Fruit. Josh’s theatre credits include Pittsburgh productions of Pyscho Beach Party, Do Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up, Torch Song Trilogy, The White Rose, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, A Bad Year for Tomatoes, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and Big Bucks. Film credits include, Last Call, Pieces of Johnny, The Clearing, and the full-length independent feature, Missing Jane. He can now be seen as series regular, Cory, on the HERE! TV Networks pioneering television series, “Dante’s Cove.”
Katharine
Heller (company actor) is a native New Yorker. She received her degree in theatre from Macalaster College in St. Paul MN, where she co-founded the school’s improv group, Fresh Concepts. Katharine debuted with the LMNO Theatre Company in the 2003 production of Forbidden Fruit. Her past credits include theatre, as well as performing in and producing improv shows such as Happy Like Your Cousin and Fall Season and the long running Chick Flicks. She reprised her role as Lisa in the 2004 production of Forbidden Fruit. Her first feature film, What Men Talk About will debut this summer.