The Crossword Play 2026

  • Anchorage, AK
  • Art
22%

Raised

$650

of $3,000 | raised by 9 people

Top Donation $100

Alice Saltzman

Created January 4th, 2026
by Xavior Love
Share!

The Crossword Play 2026

Dear Supporters and Friends,

My name is Xavior Love, and I am a dedicated actor and producer based in Anchorage, Alaska. After studying at NYU Tisch School of the Arts and The Stella Adler Studio of Acting, as well as training at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles, I have returned to the stage with a renewed commitment to the performing arts. My first performance occurred in 2014, in The Daemon of Darby Castle. In 2018, I portrayed Muhammad Ali in And in This Corner: Cassius Clay, earning a BroadwayWorld Award for Best Actor in a Play or Musical. Additionally, I am a two-time State Champion in Drama Debate Forensics, having placed first in both Humorous and Dramatic Interpretation in 2017 and 2018.

Over the years, I have built a career in the local theater scene, performing in numerous productions and contributing to the vibrant arts community here. Among my notable accomplishments, I have starred in and produced The Maverick Trilogy, a series of innovative plays that blend storytelling, interactivity, and profound themes.

Act One, The Crossword Play (or Ezmeranda’s Gift), invites audiences to engage directly with the narrative through puzzle-solving elements, creating a unique theatrical experience.

Act Two, explores the complexities of commitment and human connection in a compelling solo performance.

Act Three, delves into themes of cosmic exploration and existential inquiry, rounding out the trilogy with intellectual depth and emotional resonance.

In addition to these works, I have appeared in various regional productions, earning recognition for my versatility and commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue through theater. My efforts have been driven by a passion for supporting young artists and promoting local stories that resonate with our community.

I am reaching out today with a heartfelt request for your support through this campaign. The funds raised will serve two critical purposes: first, to enable my participation in the 2026 Midtown International Theatre Festival (MITF) in New York City, Manhattan, from June 15th to July 26th; and second, to finance a special two-night performance weekend of The Crossword Play at the Wilda Marston Theater within the Anchorage Public Library on (New Performance dates TBD), at 7:00 PM each evening.

The Crossword Play has already demonstrated its potential and impact. During its initial run, which premiered from January 9th to 12th, 2025, the production achieved profitability after just two of our five performances, a testament to its appeal and the enthusiasm of our audiences.

Furthermore, the show has been nominated for 10 BroadwayWorld Anchorage Awards for 2025, including Best Cabaret Performance, Best Choreography for a Play, Best Costume Design, Best Director in a Play, Best Lighting Design, Best Scenic Design, Best Performer in a Play, Best Sound Design, Best New Play, and Best Play.

This recognition highlights the strong reception the show received in Anchorage and underscores the power of theater to captivate, challenge, and inspire. These accolades reflect not only the quality of the work but also its ability to forge connections and spark conversations among viewers.

However, my journey has not been without significant challenges. I have been battling severe dissecting cellulitis of the scalp and hidradenitis suppurativa—both serious and very difficult to treat diseases that have imposed tremendous delays on my production plans. These health issues necessitated postponing rehearsals, performances, and other preparations, shifting what was once a creative hurdle into a financial one.

Through resilience, strength, and unwavering determination, I have persevered, drawing on the support of my community to push forward. I have worked tirelessly to revive The Crossword Play for Anchorage audiences, knowing that our local theater scene thrives on the passion of artists like myself who are committed to making a difference.

Your contributions will directly cover the budgeted expenses for these upcoming events. For the MITF 2026 and the Valentine’s weekend performances.

By funding these performances, you will help me provide more opportunities for audiences to experience this transformative work, generating revenue that will allow me to continue staging shows throughout the remainder of 2026 in Anchorage before taking the production to New York.

This cycle of performance and reinvestment is essential for building momentum and ensuring the longevity of The Maverick Trilogy.

I am profoundly grateful for the community that surrounds me—those who love and support local theater, champion young artists, and believe in the power of storytelling to effect change. Your generosity will not only aid my efforts but may also inspire others to write and share their own stories, enriching our collective cultural landscape. Together, we can overcome these obstacles and bring more meaningful theater to life.

Thank you for considering my request. Every donation, no matter the size, brings us closer to these goals. Please share this campaign with your networks to help spread the word.

THE CROSSWORD PUZZLE PLAY (Or Ezmeranda's Gift)

by Donna Hoke

THE CROSSWORD PUZZLE PLAY (Or Ezmeranda's Gift) was developed at Theatre Aspen’s Solo Flights Festival, September 2021;

Jed Bernstein, Producing Director.

THE CROSSWORD PUZZLE PLAY (Or Ezmeranda's Gift) was first produced at Lake Dillon Theatre in Silverthorne, Colorado,

with a subsequent world premiere at Shadowland Stages in Ellenville, NY.

With sincere appreciation,

Xavior Love

Actor, Executive Producer, and Advocate for Anchorage Theater

Did you know?

Even if you can't contribute with money, you can help this campaign by sharing on Facebook! In fact, when this campaign reaches 100 shares on Facebook and $1000 raised, FreeFunder will donate $20 to it. Tell your friends! Currently this campaign has been shared on Facebook about 14 times.

Contributors (9)

FreeFunder allows fundraisers to create free personal crowdfunding campaigns, with no platform fees!