Alan Campbell Stars in Oleanna at NC's Kennedy Theatre

After a successful season finale concert in August 2005 with wife Lauren Kennedy (Spamalot, Les Miserables), Tony Award-nominee Alan Campbell (Sunset Boulevard, Contact) will return to the Hot Summer Nights at the Kennedy stage from August 2nd through 13th.

Campbell will play university professor "John" opposite Raleigh native Meredith Jones as college student "Carol" in David Mamet's controversial play, Oleanna.

"It's a game of 'He Said. She Said' when Carol (Jones), a struggling student visits the office of John (Campbell), her professor for help.  The seemingly harmless encounter quickly turns sour. From relatively trivial beginnings, a struggle of power, spin and manipulation develops between both characters," state press notes.  "Crackling dialogue combined with breathtaking realism make this unique play an unforgettable warning to us all.  How close to the edge of this psychological thriller do we stand on a day-to-day basis and how are things really perceived?  Oleanna is more than just an examination of political correctness; it guarantees to elicit emotional debate."

The play is lead by Guest Artist Director Kristen Coury who is the Producing Artistic Director at Gulfshore Playhouse in Naples, Florida.  Her production team includes Curtis Jones (Technical Director, Lighting and Set Designer) and Brian L. Hunt (Sound Designer).  Matthew Addison is Production Stage Manager.  Hot Summer Nights at the Kennedy is produced by father and son team K.D. Kennedy, Jr. (Executive Producer) and Michael Kennedy (Managing Producer). 

Campbell will sign autographs for theatre-goers after each performance.

"Hot Summer Nights at the Kennedy is a professional theatre company whose mission is to serve the citizens of Raleigh, Wake County and Eastern Carolina by "keeping the lights on" and producing professional theatrical performances in the Kennedy Theatre at the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts the summer. Hot Summer Nights goal is to produce great shows that are varied in type, attitude and scope and employ actor, stage crew and staff of all ages, races and creed from North Carolina and Broadway. Hot Summer Nights will use our resources to nourish, celebrate and employ many theatrical groups, colleges, charities and citizens and support and assist the City of Raleigh with entertainment needs."

Oleanna runs August 2-13, 2006 at 8pm (Wednesdays-Saturdays) and 3pm (Sundays) at the Kennedy Theatre in the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts in Raleigh, NC. 

A number of discounts are available during the run.  Tickets are $25 (Wed.-Sat.) and Sundays are "Pay What You Want Day" with a $10 minimum.  Additionally, groups of 10 or more can attend performances for $17.50 and student groups of 10 or more can see the show for only $15!  Talk Back Sessions with the Oleanna cast are also available for groups with advanced request by calling 919-828-3726.  

The August 10th performance will be audio described by Arts Access, Inc. for the visually impaired. The final show in the 2006 season is Meet Me on the Corner of Broadway and Swing (August 16-27) with Broadway's Jennifer Shrader (Beauty and the Beast, Swing).

To order tickets call 919-834-4000, go to www.ticketmaster.com, the Progress Energy Center Box Office or any Hecht's Department Store in the Raleigh area.  Visit the theatre's website a www.hotsummernightsatthekennedy.org.