Paul Dobie to Direct World Premiere of RATED M FOR MATURE at FringeNYC

Rated M for Mature, which will make its world premiere this summer at the Cherry Lane Theatre as part of the New York International Fringe Festival, is inspired by real events and will feature direction from Paul Dobie (currently the Assistant Director of Wicked who also served as AD on the Broadway productions of Thoroughly Modern Millie, Glengarry Glen Ross and Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me). The production will run from Wed. 8/22 thru Sun. 8/26 and is produced by Ryan Duncan (the original casts of Shrek and Altar Boyz).

Written by Greg Ayers, Rated M for Mature is a dark comedy that delves into bullying, gaming addiction and parenting. Ayers was inspired to write the play after reading multiple news articles about teens who lashed out violently as a result of their gaming equipment being taken away. The play explores some of the obstacles and dangers that face teenagers in this digital age.

Rated M for Mature centers on Eric, a lonely and troubled teen bullied to the breaking point. Eric finds his refuge in an online fantasy game through which he exacts vengeance for the wrongs done to him in the real world. Through his style of gaming justice, he amasses a small following. But when his computer is taken away he is thrust back into the brutality of high school without a way to cope. How far will Eric go to get his computer back?

The cast will feature Jamey Hood (The Shaggs at Playwrights Horizons/NYTW), Brian Munn (currently in Wicked), Ben Hollandsworth (The Mint’s A Little Journey), Nick Vennekotter and Patrick Harman.

Rated M for Mature will run as part of FringeNYC at the Cherry Lane Theatre (38 Commerce Street) with performances on Wed. 8/22 at 4:30pm, Thur. 8/23 at 7pm, Fri. 8/24 at 6:45pm. Sat. 8/25 at 12pm and Sun. 8/26 at 1pm. Tickets priced at $15 can be bought beginning July 20th online at www.FringeNYC.org or by phone at 866-468-7619. For more information, visit www.RatedMthePlay.com.