A Bath of Approbation

A Bath of Approbation is the latest collaboration between Roman D’Ambrosio and Peter Dizozza, co-directors of the WAH Theater Program. This haunting and thought-provoking drama unfolds across two time periods—1891 and 2023—within the same lakeside cottage on Lake Bodensee.

The play explores the legacy of a renowned writer who once lived—and mysteriously died—in the cottage. More than a century later, four new visitors arrive, unknowingly stepping into parallel roles across time. As their stories intertwine, they must confront the unsettling power of being written into history and the lasting consequences of the past.

This intimate production, written and directed by Roman D’Ambrosio, features original live music composed and performed by Peter Dizozza, seamlessly weaving together language and melody to transport the audience through time. The cast of four actors—Anna Medley, Charlotte Horan, Stella Westlake, and Tay Rosen—brings the story to life in a minimalist, actor-driven production that highlights the emotional depth and thematic resonance of the piece. Costumes are designed by Caroline D'Ambrosio.

Featuring:

Anna Marie Medley (Eugenia/Elaine) is a New York based artist originally from Louisville, KY. Previous credits include Cybil in The Altruists, Sarah in Scripture, and Benjamin Franklin in 1776. BFA in Musical Theatre; Samford University. MFA in Acting; The Actor’s Studio Drama School. She is thrilled to be part of this production and couldn’t be more thankful to Roman and her incredible support system. Enjoy the show!

Stella Westlake (Seraphina/Sadie) is an actress from New York, NY. She recently trained at Stella Adler but got her start angrily monologuing in her shower as a child. She enjoys watching Michael Jackson concerts on YouTube, dancing like EVERYbody is watching, and posting too many Instagram stories of her cats (oopsie)

Taylor Rosen (Fritz/Faulkner) is an actor, writer and director based in New York City.

Charlotte Horan (Maria/Maura) is an actor and musician based in Manhattan. She is so excited to work with Roman again and bring his work to life. She holds a BFA in acting from Emerson College. @star10tte

About the Directors:

Roman D’Ambrosio is a playwright and theater director based in New York, originally from Michigan. A graduate of the University of Detroit Mercy, he serves as the Associate Theater Director at the Williamsburg Art & Historical Center and is a resident playwright with the Adult Film + Theatre Collective. His play Gallerina has been produced at Beckett’s Rosset’s Loft (profiled in the NY Times) and Adult Film, while his play A Bath of Approbation was a finalist for the 2024 Invulnerable Nothings Barn Lab. D’Ambrosio’s work has been developed through workshops at Theater for the New City, Circle in the Square, and Sovereign House. As a writer, his work has appeared in Grand Journal, Apocalypse Confidential, Expat Press, and American Vulgaria.

Peter Dizozza is a composer collaborating on songs and/or music for plays, as well as creating new work. Currently in development moving toward production with art installation at The WAH Center is a musical playscript entitled Mushroom Head. He studied music at Queens College and Law at St. John’s University. He received musical theater training at BMI and ASCAP Music Theater Workshops and playwriting through La Mama’s Experiments Series and The Lambs. His projects include “Prepare to Meet Your Maker,” “Coppélia,” “The Last Dodo,” “The Golf Wars,” “Marriage at the Statue of Liberty,” “The Sea Heiress,” “A Question of Solitude (The James Bond Opera),” “Float,” and a 20-minute musical about plants and gardeners entitled “Bulb.” He also performs regularly as a piano/singer songwriter. His 7 song cycle, Pro-Choice on Mental Health is a popular Spoken Word album. That and other Dizozza songs are directly available through most streaming platforms.

In addition to the evening's performance, this event will include the opportunity to enjoy drinks and light snacks in the art gallery before and after the show, featuring our latest showcase!

For more information about the Williamsburg Art and Historical Center, visit:

https://www.wahcenter.net/about/

Host or Publisher Williamsburg Art & Historical Center