Goldenhersh, Sparks, Etc. Set for Rapp's 'Self-Defense'

Playwrights Horizons and Edge Theater will produce the world premiere of Essential Self-Defense, a new play by Pulitzer Prize finalist and Obie Award winner Adam Rapp (Red Light Winter, Blackbird). Directed by Carolyn Cantor (Orange Flower Water, Rapp's Stone Cold Dead Serious), the production will begin previews on Thursday, March 15 with an official opening on Wednesday, March 28 at 7 PM. Performances will continue through Sunday, April 15 at Playwrights Horizons' Peter Jay Sharp Theater (416 West 42nd Street).

The cast for will feature Cheryl Lynn Bowers (The Underpants at Classic Stage Company) as Sorrell, Guy Boyd (Sex and Longing on Broadway) as Chuck the Barber, Michael Chernus (the film Winter Passing, directed by Adam Rapp; Living Room in Africa for Edge Theater) as Isaak Glinka, Joel Marsh Garland (M. Night Shyamalan's Lady in the Water, The Unknown for NYMF) as Klieg the Butcher, Heather Goldenhersh ("The Class," Tony Award nomination for Doubt on Broadway, Goodnight Children Everywhere and Psych at Playwrights Horizons) as Sadie, Lucas Papaelias ("It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia," Cellini at Second Stage) as Todd, Ray Rizzo (Essential Self-Defense for Cape Cod Theatre Project) as Bob Beard, and Paul Sparks (Landscape of the Body at Signature Theatre) as Yul.

"When a disgruntled misfit (Paul Sparks) takes a job as an attack dummy in a women's self-defense class, he finds himself mysteriously drawn to the repressed bookworm (Heather Goldenhersh) who's beating on him. But all's not well on the mean Midwestern streets of Bloggs: with local children vanishing at an alarming rate, our hero, his lady friend and a motley assortment of poets, butchers and punk librarians prepare to battle the darkness on The Edge of town. Essential Self-Defense is a grimfairy tale with generous helpings of rock n' roll karaoke by the Pulitzer Prize-nominated author of Red Light Winter," state press notes.

The production will feature scenic design by David Korins, costume design by Miranda Hoffman, lighting design by Ben Stanton, sound design by Eric Shim and original music and lyrics by Ray Rizzo, Adam Rapp and Lucas Papaelias. The Production Stage Manager will be Charles M. Turner, III.

Playwrights Horizons, under the leadership of Artistic Director Tim Sanford and Managing Director Leslie Marcus, is a writer's theater dedicated to the support and development of contemporary American Playwrights, composers and lyricists, and to the production of their new work. In its 36 years, Playwrights Horizons has worked with more than 375 writers and has received numerous awards and honors. 

Edge Theater was established in 2001 by director Carolyn Cantor and set designer David Korins to produce innovative, challenging work of exceptional quality and imagination with a particular emphasis on new plays.  Since its inception, Edge has produced six plays including two world premieres, three New York premieres and a new translation of a classic play.

The performance schedule will be Tuesdays through Fridays at 7:30 PM, Saturdays at 2:00 & 7:30 PM and Sundays at 2:00 & 7:00 PM. Tickets are $50.

In addition, Adam Rapp will read from his new novel, The Year of Endless Sorrows, on Monday, March 19 at 7:30 PM at Playwrights Horizons. Rapp will sign copies of his book and plays following the reading. The Year of Endless Sorrows is a young man's brutally funny coming of age story in New York City. Admission is free but reservations are required. Please call (212) 564-1235 Ex. 3152.

On Friday, March 30 from 7:30 PM to midnight, Playwrights Horizons will The Essential Self-Defense Post-Modern Post-Prom Lock In-Mixer. Local rockers Run Run Riot, Adam Rapp's Less the Band and special guest Lunchiford will highlight an after-party that will include DJ Bradley TeAl Ellis, PSA videos, prom polaroids, and door prizes. To get tickets to this event, you must be a Playwrights Horizon Student or 30&Under FlexPass member or purchase one online at   www.playwrightshorizons.org or by calling Ticket Central at (212) 279-4200.

Photo of Heather Goldenhersh by Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.