It Was Never Your Fault!

Rich Ryan Productions, LLC through the We Are Many Foundation are pleased to present LEMON MERINGUE, a new play written by Rich Ryan, directed and adapted for the stage by Terri Muuss and choreographed by Enforced Arch 'Mover' Tracey Katof, with original music by Athena Reich will premiere at The TBG Theatre November 8th - November 24th in New York City.

LEMON MERINGUE is a moving roller-coaster ride through the therapeutic process of Rich, a typical guy from Long Island. As Rich struggles to overcome the devastating effects of childhood sexual abuse, we witness his anger and pain slowly giving way to happiness and forgiveness. This true story, told through music, dance and dialogue, illustrates one man's inspirational journey towards survival and finding, then healing, his inner child. LEMON MERINGUE is a compelling success story that should not be missed. It will leave your heart soaring.

The show runs at The Barrow Group Theatre, 312 West 36th Street 3rd Floor (bet 8th and 9th Avenue), New York, NY 10018. Tickets $18. For tickets visit: www.smarttix.com. LEMON MERINGUE is an Equity Approved Showcase.

Rich Ryan (Writer) is a devoted father of three who lives on Long Island and works in New York City. Rich is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. Since breaking his silence in 2003, Rich has been dedicated to raising awareness about childhood sexual abuse and helping others heal from the effects. He has attended many male survivor conferences and his artwork has been displayed at several survivor art shows. In 2010, Rich made an appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show to share his story with a group of 200 male sexual abuse survivors and a national television audience of 15-20 million people.

Rich is a fervent believer in the notion that victims of abuse have the power to live full, rewarding lives. Recognizing the profound impact that sharing one's story can have on the healing process of others, Rich felt inspired to write Lemon Meringue - a one-act play that chronicles the story of a man struggling with and overcoming the effects of childhood sexual abuse. This is his story. For Rich, the process of writing a play for the first time - particularly a play addressing this subject - has been both challenging and rewarding.

Rich has dedicated Lemon Meringue to all of the men and women who have perished from the effects of childhood sexual abuse as well as those who continue to struggle.

All proceeds from the new play LEMON MERINGUE (www.LemonMeringue.org) benefit The We Are Many Foundation (www.wearemanyfoundation.org).

The We Are Many Foundation helps, heals and educates society concerning children who have been sexually victimized, as well as adults who struggle in their current life from the horrific ordeal they experienced when it was done to them in their youth.

For more about the show, visit www.LemonMeringue.org.

Lemon Meringue, Part 4: Lauren Cox

Lauren Cox danced in the Equity Showcase of Lemon Meringue. Here she shares her feelings surrounding the plays social issue of childhood sexual abuse. This incredibly important performance about Rich Ryan from Long Island depicts one mans struggles to overcome the devastating effects of childhood sexual abuse. How do you feel Lemon Meringue will help others who are suffering from childhood sexual abuse?

I believe just the existence of this play and the fact that survivors are speaking loudly about this issue sends a positive message to those suffering from childhood sexual abuse.   If those same people could see the triumph of Rich's journey it would offer more than hope but a doorway into the survival community, a community which offers support and guidance through the healing process.

What part of the rehearsal process did you derive inspiration from to tackle this sensitive topic?

I played a sort of bad influence on Rich for most of the play, accompanying him on his drug trips, which was something completely new for me.  We were all called upon to actually feel what drugs offer, a sense of relief from such deep pain and rage, and through that process I understood just a bit about what was stolen from children and adults suffering from this abuse.  It is a heavy, unbearable and self loathing entity, something that eats away at your mental stability and growth leaving you to constantly question yourself.  It was amazing to be able to speak openly with the survivors about their attackers, processes of healing and strength.  I performed with and for them every show and we should all celebrate their resilience.

What did you learn from your experiences that you would like to share with others?

Speak up because you never know who you will inspire!

For info visit, www.lemonmeringue.org.

Lemon Meringue, Part 1: Carly Fox Horton Lemon Meringue, Part 2: Tracey Katof Lemon Meringue, Part 3: James Koroni

Lemon Meringue, Part 3: James Koroni

  Mover, James Koroni, danced and portrayed the role of Teenage Rich in the Equity Showcase of Lemon Meringue. Here he shares his feelings surrounding the plays social issue of childhood sexual abuse. This incredibly important performance about Rich Ryan from Long Island depicts one mans struggles to overcome the devastating effects of childhood sexual abuse.

How do you feel Lemon Meringue will help others who are suffering from childhood sexual abuse?

Lemon Meringue offers victims a glimpse into the story of recovery. The predators only evil power is secrecy, which leaves a feeling of shame in their victims. Lemon Meringue breaks the silence. It makes childhood sexual abuse a topic that isn't so taboo and helps our community explore ways to make victims comfortable with sharing their secret. Then when they need us, we will be ready to nurture them through recovery.

What part of the rehearsal process did you derive inspiration from to tackle this sensitive topic?

Teenage Rich, was a bridge between the adult and the inner child. One rehearsal with the Director, Terri Muuss, was exceptionally powerful because I was able to reintroduce them on stage. Both Adult and Young Rich felt closer to Teenage Rich than one another. I was there as a confidant and emotional support in that scene when they finally met one another. Metaphorically, I want to be available to play this role for friends or family that may have gone through this in their own lives but this time help them bridge the gap between the victim and the survivor.

What did you learn from your experiences that you would like to share with others?

I learned that sexual predators may not be the stranger in the park but is more often the person who takes your child to the park. This doesn't mean you need to fear every caretaker in their life. There are ways to protect your children from predators. Teach them to trust their instincts, help them understand what is a good secret and what is a bad secret and don't feel bad about what inquiries you may have. You know your child more than anyone else.

I'd like to thank Terri Muuss, Rich Ryan, Athena Reich, Rhett Hackett and Keith Smith for sharing their stories with me and helping me be a better tool in liberating other victims. I love you all dearly and look forward to working with you again in the future!

For info visit, www.lemonmeringue.org.

Lemon Meringue, Part 1: Carly Fox Horton Lemon Meringue, Part 2: Tracey Katof Lemon Meringue, Part 4: Lauren Cox

Lemon Meringue, Part 2: Tracey Katof

Compassionate Mover, Tracey Katof is not only the choreographer but also a dancer in the Equity Showcase of Lemon Meringue. Here she shares her feelings surrounding the plays social issue of childhood sexual abuse. This incredibly important performance about Rich Ryan from Long Island depicts one mans struggles to overcome the devastating effects of childhood sexual abuse.

How do you feel Lemon Meringue will help others who are suffering from childhood sexual abuse?

I hope that those who have been victims of sexual abuse will see Lemon Meringue and find some comfort in the fact that they are not the only ones and that there is help available.

What was the most difficult part of RICH’s story in Lemon Meringue to choreograph and why? (Considering you needed to explore the emotional turmoil of his process)

Depicting substance abuse was challenging because I had to consider why one would turn to it in the first place. Imagine that someone spirals into this cycle of drug use seeking peace, only to feel temporary false hope and then realize that the drugs cause them more pain.

What did you learn from your experiences that you would like to share with others?

I learned about the process of recovery. The pathway may seem overwhelming and challenging at times but recovery is possible and worth the journey.

For info visit, www.lemonmeringue.org.

Lemon Meringue, Part 1: Carly Fox Horton Lemon Meringue, Part 3: James Koroni Lemon Meringue, Part 4: Lauren Cox

Lemon Meringue, Part 1: Carly Fox Horton

Carly Fox Horton, a dancer from the Equity Showcase of Lemon Meringue, shares her feelings surrounding the plays social issue of childhood sexual abuse. This incredibly important performance about Rich Ryan from Long Island depicts one mans struggles to overcome the devastating effects of childhood sexual abuse.

How do you feel Lemon Meringue will help others who are suffering from childhood sexual abuse?

Lemon Meringue can inspire other victims of childhood sexual abuse to seek healing and to believe that they have the power to live free from their past. I hope they can find encouragement from relating to Rich's journey.

What part of the rehearsal process did you derive inspiration from to tackle this sensitive topic?

The most important part of the rehearsal process for me was the time that we took to sit down and talk with the people in cast who are survivors. Hearing from their own mouths what had happened to them, what it had done to their emotional, spiritual, and physical being, and then how they were able to pull themselves out of victim-hood to become survivors was truly remarkable and inspirational. These conversations also led to many sleepless nights as I wrestled with the knowledge of the great evil that had been done to these people and many other people in my life that are dear to me. Although it may be uncomfortable to face these demons, it is essential for healing and the prevention of future abuse.

What did you learn from your experiences that you would like to share with others?

I learned that, whether you are aware of it or not, everyone knows someone who has been affected by sexual abuse. The psychological component of this type of abuse causes victims to think and believe things that make it very difficult to seek help, and many victims do not have a loved one that they can trust. Victims often find that when they attempt to confide in someone, that confidant actually makes the situation worse by having an inappropriate reaction. I would encourage everyone to learn more about the effects of sexual abuse so that we all can give knowledgeable and loving support to the people in our lives who have been affected by it.

For info visit, www.lemonmeringue.org.

Lemon Meringue, Part 2: Tracey Katof Lemon Meringue, Part 3: James Koroni Lemon Meringue, Part 4: Lauren Cox

Lemon Meringue

The process of recovering lost sections of one's life after childhood sexual abuse is inherently dramatic and theater is a home for powerful emotions. So it's not surprising that plays by survivors are starting to appear on the subject. However, the art related to child sexual abuse has been predominantly women's stories to-date. Rich Ryan, a Long Island-based survivor, breaks the mold with "Lemon Meringue," his new ten-character play with songs by Athena Reich, a survivor/recording artist. The play is directed by Terri Muuss, a theater artist and social worker who is also a survivor. Ryan's Production Company, Rich Ryan Productions, LLC, will present the work July 8 to 10, 2011 at TADA! Theater, 15 West 28th Street, for one-week only. The short run, an Equity Showcase, will also be a fundraiser for a new nonprofit devoted enabling other survivors to break their silence on the issue and build magnificent lives.

Read more: LEMON-MERINGUE