Cates, Maitner, Etc. Set for FringeNYC Play 'Darkness'

The Storefront will present the world premiere production of The Other Side of Darkness, a new play by Phil Geoffrey Bond. The play will be presented at The Bleecker Street Theatre (45 Bleecker Street - former home of The Culture Project) as part of the 2007 New York International Fringe Festival, to be held August 10 – 26.

Casting for the project has recently been announced. Kristy Cates (Wicked) will star as Lillian Manners, a struggling actress who goes on to achieve major film stardom. David A. Rudd (Birdie's Bachelorette Party) will appear as Steven Manners, a celebrated playwright with aspirations to write for the screen. Rounding out the cast is Rob Maitner (Urinetown, Fleetweek, Fairy Tales) as Jay, an aspiring agent and producer. Bond will direct the production, with set and costume design by Jason Courson.

The Other Side of Darkness is "about the underbelly of showbusiness. Spanning thirty years and set against the backdrops of both New York and Los Angeles, it examines the intersecting lives of three people striving for success, and dealing with the consequences of getting it," as described in press materials. The play was presented in November of 2005 as a staged reading, featuring Becca Ayers (Les Miserables), Patrick Page (The Lion King) and Derek Smith (The Lion King, The Green Bird).

The performance schedule has yet to be announced. All tickets are $15, and will go on sale July 27th, available by visiting www.fringenyc.org or by calling: 212.279.4488 or 1.888.FringeNYC.

Photo of Kristy Cates by Mark Rupp