THE GRADUATE Returns to NYC with New Queen's Theatre Production with Adair, Arkin & More

Queens Theatre (QT) presents the L.A. Theatre Works production of THE GRADUATE, based on the 1963 'age of youth' novel and the classic 1967 Oscar-winning film, adapted for the stage by Terry Johnson. The play is directed by Brian Kite, and features a dynamite cast of stars of film and TV: Diane Adair (South Coast Repertory Theatre) as Mrs. Braddock, Matthew Arkin (Bdwy: Losing Louie, The Sunshine Boys; TV: 'Rescue Me', '100 Centre Street', 'All My Children') as Mr. Robinson, Heidi Dippold (TV: 'The Sopranos', 'All My Children') as Mrs. Robinson, Jill Renner (Pacific Resident Theatre) as Elaine Robinson, Darren Richardson (Nat' Tour: Pride and Prejudice TV: 'Lost', 'Fastlane') as Hotel Clerk/Priest/Psychiatrist, Brian Tichnell (TV: 'Happy Endings') as Benjamin Braddock and Tom Virtue (TV: 'The Building, The Bonnie Hunt Show') as Mr. Braddock.

THE GRADUATE will play five performances only at Queens Theatre (14 United Nations Avenue South, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens, NY 11368). Performances are October 25th and 26th at 2pm and 8pm and October 27th at 3pm. Tickets are $25-$49 and are available online atwww.queenstheatre.org/graduate or by calling 718-760-0064. Tickets may also be purchased in-person at the Queens Theatre Box Office, Mondays from 10am to 2pm, Wednesdays through Sundays from 10am to 6pm. (Senior discount available, $20 student rush tickets available day of).

On Friday, October 25th Queens Theatre and new Managing Director Taryn Sacramone invite you to a special event in conjunction with THE GRADUATE celebrating the beginning of QT's 25th Anniversary Season. Go back to the 60's with a special pre-show cocktail reception at 6:00 pm followed by a performance of the first show in the 2013-14 Theatre Series. Tickets are just $75 and are available atwww.queenstheatre.org /2013-14-season-opening-celebration.

QT's 25th Anniversary Season began on September 28th, 2013 with Robert Klein's comedy show and continues through the production of Peter Pan on June 1st, 2014. The season includes their Theatre Series (The Graduate), Dance Series (Rioult), Comedy Series (My Mother's Italian, My Father's Jewish & I'm In Therapy), Family Series (Masked Marvels), and Special Events (Calpulli Mexican Dance Company). QT also continues to discover and develop new plays that reflect the diversity of Queens through theirImmigrant Voices Project, a free play reading series. All events take place at Queens Theatre (14 United Nations Avenue South, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens, NY 11368). Ticketing and more information is available from the website at http://queenstheatre.org/buy-tickets. The complete Season Announcement is available at http://bit.ly/QT1314Season.

ABOUT THE GRADUATE:
MR ROBINSON
I've just got one thing to say, Ben.

BENJAMIN
What's that, sir.

MR ROBINSON
One word, Ben.

BENJAMIN
One word?

MR ROBINSON
Plastics, Ben. Plastics. Will you think about that?

--from The Graduate

These lines, so etched in the American psyche, are emblematic of the 'advice' still offered to all recent graduates. The Graduate's characters, phrases, and themes continue to ring true a half century after the publication of the novel. Whether seen on film, stage, or read, The Graduate has been a touchstone for generations- representing the universal feelings of rebellion, confusion, frustration, love, and redemption- so honestly, and hilariously, embodied by the characters of Mrs. Robinson, Benjamin Braddock, Elaine, and the rest.

In the early 1960s, when Charles Webb wrote a novel called The Graduate, America was in an 'age of youth.' Young people were leading the way to social, political, and cultural transformation. Webb's novel, published in 1963, was groundbreaking in those changing times; reviewers unanimously praised his brilliant and innovative use of dialogue and comedic genius in dealing with controversial themes and the main character's lack of direction. In 1967, The Graduate film was released, featuring the memorable, boyish face of Dustin Hoffman as the lost but heroically determined Benjamin Braddock. The Graduate quickly became a cult favorite and an artistic triumph, garnering multiple Academy Award nominations. It remains one of the top grossing films in history. THE GRADUATE premiered on Broadway at the Plymouth Theatre in April 2002, starring Jason Biggs, Alicia Silverstone and Kathleen Turner.

The production features scenic and lighting design by Daniel Ionazzi and costume design by Rebecca Guzzi. Josh Bessom is the sound designer and Caitlin Barbieri is the production stage manager.

THE GRADUATE schedule:

Friday, October 25 at 2pm and 8pm
Saturday, October 26 at 2pm and 8pm
Sunday, October 27 at 3pm

Tickets are $25 rear side seating, $42 weekday (Fri), $49 weekend (Sat-Sun) and are now available online at www.queenstheatre.org/graduate or by calling 718-760-0064. Tickets may also be purchased in-person at the Queens Theatre Box Office, Monday 10am to 2pm, Wednesday through Sunday 10am to 6pm. (Senior discount available, $20 student rush tickets available day of).

Website: www.queenstheatre.org/graduate