Alliance Theatre Opens THE WHIPPING MAN Tonight

The ALLIANCE THEATRE will stage the critically acclaimed historical drama THE WHIPPING MAN in its first production for Atlanta audiences. Set in Richmond, VA at the close of the Civil War, Matthew Lopez's suspenseful play was described by the New York Times as "haunting, striking and powerful." THE WHIPING MAN will run on the Hertz Stage tonight, March 8 - April 7, 2013.

In 1865, the Jewish holiday of Passover began the day after Robert E. Lee's surrender. It's in this historical moment that Jewish Confederate soldier Caleb returns to his home, finding it in ruins and occupied by two of his former slaves - Simon and John. Bound to each other by their shared faith, history and secrets, the men come together to celebrate the Passover Seder, realizing that it holds even more meaning to them in this moment of uncertainty and newly realized freedom.

"THE WHIPPING MAN is a play that people who know this theatre well said we had to do," said Artistic Director Susan V. Booth. "This play will blow up your notions of history, of family, of race, of religion - it will give you far more to think about than you could finish in the time you spend in the theatre."

The ALLIANCE THEATRE's production of THE WHIPPING MAN will be directed by Atlanta native Alexander Greenfield. Greenfield is an accomplished New York based Director with assistant directing credits for the 2012 Broadway productions An Enemy of the People and The Road to Mecca. He was recently in Atlanta to direct Fabrication Theatre's production of Sweeney Todd. Greenfield is excited to be making his ALLIANCE THEATRE debut with this production.

"It's particularly thrilling to be bringing this riveting piece of new American drama to one of the South's preeminent theatre companies," said Greenfield. "In a city filled with diversity and history, Matthew Lopez's crackling drama has particular resonance. Unlike so many plays that explore this moment of history, THE WHIPPING MAN doesn't seek to condemn or judge in any way. Each character is flawed and human in equal proportion. Without taking sides, it tells a one-of-a-kind story filled with dark secrets, twists and turns that is sure to keep Atlanta audiences at the edge of their seats."

The three person cast includes Jeremy Aggers as Caleb, Keith Randolph Smith as Simon, and John Stewart as John. Jeremy Aggers last appeared at the ALLIANCE THEATRE in the world premiere musical Ghost Brothers of Darkland County. Smith last appeared at the Alliance in the critically acclaimed drama God of Carnage in the role of Michael Novak, starring opposite Jasmine Guy. Stewart is thrilled to be making his Hertz Stage debut with this production.

Performances are Tuesday through Thursday at 7:30 pm, Fridays at 8:00 pm, Saturdays at 2:30 pm and 8:00 pm, and Sundays at 2:30 pm and 7:30 pm, March 8 - April 7, 2013, on the Hertz Stage.

Tickets start at $35 and are available at The Woodruff Arts Center Box Office in person or by calling 404-733-5000. Tickets are also available online at alliancetheatre.org/whippingman. Discount rates for groups of 10 or more are available by calling 404.733.4690. Discount rates are also available for members of the military, seniors and students. The ALLIANCE THEATRE is located at The Woodruff Arts Center, 1280 Peachtree Street, at the corner of Peachtree and 15th Street, in Midtown Atlanta.

Student Tickets: College students can purchase $10 tickets for all shows on the day of the performance by showing their student ID at the Woodruff Arts Center Box Office.

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