Photo Flash: First Look at Open Window Theatre's MERCY UNRELENTING

Artistic Director Jeremy Stanbary has assembled a powerful cast for the world premiere production of his original play Mercy Unrelenting, which opens at Open Window Theatre in the Metropolis Minneapolis building downtown on April 26. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

Most of the cast of seven are making their Open Window debut with this production of Mercy Unrelenting. As Stanbary's company continues to grow, more opportunities are being created to bring in high quality professional actors to this unique space. Stanbary, who has not performed on his stage yet this season will play the pivotal role of Alessandro Serenelli who was convicted of murdering young Maria Goretti, played by Katie Law-Gotich, after she refused his sexual advances. The play delicately reenacts the true story from the perspective of the older Serenelli, played by Charles H. Numrich leading up to his plea of forgiveness from Maria's mother Assunta Goretti, played by Sherry Jo Ward.

Katie Law-Gotich and Sherry Jo Ward are relative newcomers to the Twin Cities theatre scene. Law-Gotich is a fifteen year old actor making one of her first professional stage appearances with the role of Maria. She was last seen at Children's Theatre Company in the role of Susan in Ramona Quimby. Ward is an award-winning actor who recently relocated having worked in regional theatres across the southeast including Actors Theatre of Louisville. She is making her Twin Cities acting debut in the role of Maria's mother Assunta.

Charles H. Numrich has been seen on numerous stages around the Twin Cities, including Park Square Theatre, and is known by many theatre professionals after hosting the Ivey Awards with his son in 2011. He was also featured in the TPT program Minnesota Originals. Numrich was thrilled at the challenge of originating the role of Serenelli. Numrich explains, "I find this script to be powerful storytelling. Serenelli has presented me with character elements that are comfortable, recognizable and frightening all at once. He has to remember a time when other, darker forces drove him. He tells the story of his life; a life that most will find unimaginable. Trying to imagine the truth of his life is the challenge of discovering his character."

Director of Development at Open Window Theatre Mary May claims, "Audiences have been asking when Jeremy will be returning to the stage. They will be thrilled to see his return in the fascinating character of young Alessandro." Mercy Unrelenting by Jeremy Stanbary will open April 26 and run through May 19 with wine and dessert reception on opening night.

The show runs April 25th (preview) - May 19th Press opening April 26, 7:45pm every Thursday - Saturday; Matinees at 2:00pm on Sundays and on Saturday, May 18. All performances take place at the Open Window Theatre, 1313 Chestnut Ave. #102, Minneapolis 55403 in the Metropolis Minneapolis Building. Free parking is available in the lots off of Linden Ave. W and 15th Street N. Tickets: $12 - $26 with discounts for advance tickets, students, seniors, and fringe buttons. Available at: www.openwindowtheatre.org or by calling Brown Paper Tickets: 1-800-838-3006