From Reading Community Players
Pictured above: Jennifer Furniss, Stephanie Coriolan, and Danny Dempsey portray 9/11 rescue workers in 110 Stories. Photo courtesy of Steve Reazor
Reading Community Players will present 110 Stories by Sarah Tuft, a powerful docu‑play that brings together eyewitness accounts from Sept. 11, 2001. Through a series of short, intimate monologues and ensemble scenes, the piece honors the ordinary people who responded to extraordinary events and explores themes of courage, compassion, and resilience. The performances are at Friedens United Church of Christ in Oley, PA, on Friday, Sept. 11, and Saturday, Sept. 12, at 7 p.m.
110 Stories is crafted from interviews and first‑person testimony. The script weaves together the voices of firefighters, nurses, volunteers, journalists, and everyday New Yorkers to create a mosaic of memory and witness. The play focuses on human experience rather than politics, offering audiences a chance to remember, reflect, and connect through theater.
This production emphasizes clarity of voice and emotional truth. A small, versatile ensemble portrays multiple characters, shifting quickly between perspectives to maintain the immediacy of the original accounts. Staging is intentionally spare and respectful, allowing the words and the storytellers’ humanity to remain at the center.
Local actors from the Reading area form a committed ensemble under the direction of Tony Quinones. The creative team has focused on truthful storytelling, careful pacing, and thoughtful visuals.
Quinones, a first-time director, explains he wanted to bring 110 Stories to the stage “because it encompasses all aspects of life (humor, sorrow, joy, hope, etc.). I love the aspect that people from all backgrounds came together to help rebuild a city after a tragedy, and we want to communicate that message.”
Assistant Director, Steve Reazor, believes “110 Stories gives voice to people whose actions and experiences shaped a moment in our shared history. Our goal is to present these accounts with honesty and respect, to remember those we lost, and to honor the compassion that emerged in the days that followed. We invite the community to join us in reflection and remembrance.”
Several of the committed cast members can state why they wanted to audition. Danny Dempsey states, “I needed to audition. Sept. 11 was a dark, world-changing day. It’s one of those watershed moments that divides American history. There is now an entire generation of Americans that didn’t live through it, but that are still feeling the effects of those events.”
Clem Mirto feels, “This play is one of the few times theater can teach, heal, and help audiences come to terms with the unforeseen and uncontrollable disaster, which was 9/11 and its aftermath.”
Director Quinones wants the audience “to feel moved and inspired to keep the spirit of community alive. No matter anyone’s vocation and background, everyone can do their part to change the lives of even one person.”
This play contains some adult language with first-hand accounts of traumatic events and may be emotionally intense. It is recommended for teens and adults; parental discretion is advised for younger viewers.
Each show will be followed by a talkback with the cast and crew. Raffle prizes and snacks will also be available, with proceeds going to the Berks County Fireman’s Association Training Committee.
Contact the Reading Community Players box office at rcptheatre@gmail.com for further information. Tickets are $20.00 for adults and $15.00 for students and seniors and can be purchased online at RCPstage.ludus.com. First responders can purchase half-price tickets at the door by showing ID. The Friedens United Church of Christ is located at 337 Main St., Oley, PA. Free parking is available.
About Reading Community Players
Reading Community Players is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to bringing quality theatre and arts education to communities. To learn more about the organization and its offerings, visit readingcommplayers.com. For questions, contact the RCP President at 610-507-3436 or email RCPtheatre@gmail.com.
