The Roundtable Ensemble

The world is in crisis. Without warning, a series of disasters have erupted across the planet and the members of the superhero team the Protectorate have scattered to respond. As the heroes get their respective crises under control, their leader orders them to regroup. The disasters are not natural. Something is causing them. But what? Or ... who?

Save The World is a globe-spanning adventure, exploring the moral limitations of incredible power. The superheroes of the Protectorate fight bravely to protect the earth from a series of seemingly unrelated disasters. But when the unthinkable occurs the team begins to splinter. In their desperate search for the cause of the threat, compromises are made. So are mistakes. With their incredible powers and their human failings, the heroes risk becoming threats themselves to the good they have sworn to uphold.

A story about sin, sacrifice, and weighing the good of the many against the rights of the few.

The Roundtable Ensemble is proud to present the world premier of Save The World.

Listen to playwright Chris Kipiniak and director Michael Barakiva's interview on nytheatrecast here (interview begins 27 minutes into the program).

Listen to actors Noshir Dalal and Christine Corpuz's interview on Comic News Insider here (interview begins 11 minutes into the program).

I don't think I've ever seen anyone attempt anything quite like Save the World on stage: this new play by Chris Kipiniak really is a full-blown fantasy/comic-book-style super-hero adventure, complete with awesome super-powers, globe-spanning locations, and techno-thriller plot developments that include, among many others, a near-collision with a star. This production from Roundtable Ensemble engages its audience's imagination to the nth degree. . . . Kipiniak is a grand storyteller.
          - Martin Denton, The New York Theatre Experience

Superhero-action-dramedy Save the World is a theatrical escapist treat. Writer Chris Kipiniak's dialogue is pure comic-book melodrama, and the committed performers, in their flashy costumes, pull it off with straight-faced aplomb.
          - Amanda Cooper, Flavorpill

All the superheroes are gorgeous as they are in comic books, fishnet stockings, high heeled boots, swirling capes, glittering armor, strange helmets, arch weaponry - and that is just the female contingent. The males are muscled, scarred, splendid in their strength. Backing all this are ingenious sets, clever lightings, suave comic book costuming, and ingenious music and sound. The cast are dauntless in their devotion to achieving verisimilitude. At last! Superheroes in the flesh! On the stage! Saving the world!
          - Eugene Paul, Theaterscene

Kipiniak's new play hits all the notes of a grand superhero epic. The play does a surprisingly good job of translating superhero action to the stage, and the actors sell it, displaying their powers through an appropriate wave of the hand or thrust of a sword. For comic fans looking for a fun night out, Save the World offers an engaging story backed up by strong acting and clever scenic design.
          - Shaun Manning, CBR News: The Comic Wire

Kipiniak has certainly crafted a mature story, opting for cerebral "Biffs!" "Bams!" and "Zowies!" over the traditional kind. What interested me in seeing this super heroic tragedy on stage was its unexpected resonance with Greek and Shakespearian tragedies. Like those plays from antiquity, Save the World persuasively examines the quest for power and its dire consequences.
          - Mitch Montgomery, Off-Off Online

Through the efforts of author Chris Kipiniak, director and developer Michael Barakiva and most importantly the inspired intensity of a talented cast, Save the World becomes a very absorbing evening. The entire acting ensemble infuses a passionate believability into their characters and all look nifty in their glitter-splashed costumes. A "super" evening.
          - VanLoan, NY Onstage

Save the World by Marvel comic-book author and playwright Chris Kipiniak is slavishly loyal to its genre, following the crackup of a self-appointed cadre of heroes called the Protectorate and replete with nifty electronic sound effects.
          - Christopher Murray, Back Stage

The play follows the extraordinary members of the Protectorate as they attempt to uncover the mystery behind a rash of natural disasters that have struck the planet. The entire cast deserves praise. Kipiniak's foray into uncharted territory is laudable.
          - Tom Fay, Show Business Weekly

Save the World is an ambitious attempt to bring the comic book genre to life. Even if you are not a fan of superhero comics there is a story here you will enjoy and performances that are humorous and poignant. Premiering Chris Kipiniak's first play aptly entitled Save The World is a thematically perfect choice for the wonderful Roundtable Ensemble.
          - Joy Keaton, Speak The Speech I Pray You