Atkinson, Countryman, Etc. Set for 'Butcher of Baraboo'

Second Stage Theatre has announced the complete cast for Marisa Wegrzyn's world premiere comedy The Butcher of Baraboo, the first production in Second Stage Theatre's acclaimed Uptown Festival.  

Directed by two time Tony Award-winner Judith Ivey (Steaming, Hurlyburly, Follies), The Butcher of Baraboo will feature Ashlie Atkinson (Theatre World Award for Fat Pig, "Rescue Me," films such as Inside Man), Michael Countryman (Night Must Fall, Holiday, Laughter on the 23rd Floor), Ali Marsh (Ridiculous Fraud at the McCarter Theatre, "As the World Turns"), Debra Jo Rupp ("That 70's Show," films such as Death Becomes Her), and Welker White (Lemon Sky at Second Stage, Goodfellas).

"Valerie (Rupp) is the butcher of Baraboo, Wisconsin.  Her husband has gone missing and everyone suspects she played a hand, especially her nosy sister-in-law (White) who just happens to be the town sheriff.  And her daughter, a drug-pushing pharmacist (Atkinson), might know more than she lets on.   The Butcher of Baraboo is a black comedy about a butcher, a secret, and one perfectly polished meat cleaver," state press notes.

Marisa Wegrzyn's plays include Killing Women, Psalms of a Questionable Nature, Ten Cent Night, and Hickorydickory.  Her work has been produced or read at Steppenwolf, Geva Theatre Center, Chicago Dramatists, The Women's  Project, Centerstage, and The Magic Theatre.  She has a B.A. from Washington University in St. Louis.

The Butcher of Baraboo will have scenic design by Beowulf Borritt, costume  design by Andrea Laurer, lighting design by Jeff Croiter, and sound design by Ryan Rummery.

The Butcher of Baraboo will be presented at Second Stage Theatre's uptown  home, the McGinn/Cazale Theatre on Broadway at 76th Street.  Ticket are $40 and can be purchased by calling the Second Stage Theatre Box Office at 212-246-4422 or online at www.2ST.com.

Photo of Ashlie Atkinson by Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.