Inheritance
April 30, 2026—The energy from last weekend’s "Inheritance" event in Kingston is still vibrating through our community. While we spend months curating stories and polishing prose, the true magic of Writers Read always happens in that sacred space between the reader’s voice and the listener’s ear.
Though St. John’s is no longer an active church with a congregation or rector, the space we created together to share “the word” (and later, to partake of the wine) felt sacred indeed.
This performance was particularly poignant. Exploring what we inherit—histories, traits, traumas, and treasures—requires a level of vulnerability that our cast met with incredible grace.
But don't just take our word for it. After the final applause faded and the wine was poured, our cast members shared their own reflections on the day in an email chain that I’ve excerpted below. Their words capture the essence of why we do this.
With Production Director Kevin O’Connor at the venue
Kevin and our friend Bob Dennison testing the sound system and making final preparations, converting an altar into a stage
The Inheritance production crew, from left: Hayden Norcia, Kevin O’Connor, Ed McCann, Sophia Gonzales, and Gavin Murray.
The cast from left: John Kenney, Debra Fried, Lynn Edeldson, Kathy Curto, Jamie Brickhouse, Barbara Kemp, Charlotte Adamis, Daphne Gregory-Thomas, Mihai Grünfeld, Tess Clarkson, Irene O’Garden, Anthony Murphy, and David Masello.
Writer Charlotte Adamis autographs the show poster.
An appreciative audience in a full house on a drizzly spring afternoon.
Ed McCann welcomes the audience and launches the show.
Writer John Kenney sent this email message to his fellow cast members after the show; their excerpted replies follow…
“Backstage” during Act 2 in St. John’s commercial kitchen, friends Bob and Lynn Dennison assist Executive Producer Richard Kollath preparing charcuterie platters for the reception in the adjacent hall.
Wrapping the show in a space—and a city—that is very dear to me.
The cast assembles for a company bow to close the show.
Daphne Gregory-Thomas welcomes a guest to the reception
David Masello with Jamie Brickhouse
At the wine reception, guests and fellow writers Jessica Rao and Nan Mutnick pause and pose with Kathy Curto.
Kingston media personality and community advocate Nadine Ferraro with nonprofits consultant Susan Ragusa
Writer Debra Fried at the reception with her family
Deirdre Batson and Anthony Murphy—members of New York’s Irish American Writers and Artists—share a laugh
Longtime friends and supporters Kathy Yanas and Bill Cunningham
Friends and neighbors Arif Khan and Sabeen Hasan
The final word with Kathy Curto
