MRT to Wrap 2014-15 Season with THE OUTGOING TIDE

Merrimack Repertory Theatre (MRT) will close its 2014-15 Season with the touching drama, "The Outgoing Tide" by Bruce Graham, directed by Charles Towers. Tormented by the menacing grip of an aging mind and with an uncertain future ahead, Gunner Concannon has a plan for his and his family's future - but it is not what his wife Peg and son Jack had in mind. As the family debates his unorthodox idea, they are confronted by memories of the past and fears of the unknown. Ultimately, they must decide what it truly means to love someone. "The Outgoing Tide" is a deeply moving drama shot through with surprising humor.

The approximately 2-hour play will run from April 23 - May 15, with press performances at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm on Sunday, April 26, with a reception following the evening performance. All performances will be held at the Nancy L. Donahue Theatre, located at 50 East Merrimack Street in historic downtown Lowell. Tickets range from $60 - $20 and are on sale now at www.mrt.org or by calling 978-654-4678.

The production marks the completion of Charles Towers' tenure as MRT Artistic Director. He is stepping down at the conclusion of this season from the job he has held since 2001. "The Outgoing Tide" will mark the 34th production Charles has directed and the 97th he has produced. Over Towers' 14 seasons at its helm, MRT has produced 27 world and regional premieres and won dozens of awards. Towers also oversaw the 2012-13 renovation of the theatre in Liberty Hall, now named the Nancy L. Donahue Theatre.

"The Outgoing Tide" is the second time Charles Towers has directed a play by Bruce Graham in recent years. They partnered together on last season's popular production of "Stella and Lou." Towers remarks, "While 'The Outgoing Tide' still reflects Bruce's unique blend of humor and heartbreak, the story couldn't be more different from 'Stella and Lou.' The twists, the turns, the deeply recognizable family relationships and, of course, Bruce's incomparable wit, all combine to carry us to a place where dignity, honesty and humanity take hold and refuse to let go."

Towers added, "It is pure coincidence that a play with the word "outgoing" in the title is my final production as Artistic Director. The entire 2014-15 Season was selected and announced before I made my decision to pass the torch. But now that I'm in rehearsals with Bruce's wonderful play, I can imagine a better way to say goodbye to our wonderful audience."

Playwright Bruce Graham sees a lot of himself in his plays. He owns a home on the Chesapeake Bay, where the play takes place. He also says, "I'm from a blue collar background. There's a lot of my father in Gunner, but there's also a lot of ME in Gunner. When I was 22, my own mother called me the world's youngest curmudgeon."

The three-person cast is comprised entirely of actors who have earned IRNE Award (Independent Reviewers of New England) nominations for their work at MRT. Felicity LaFortune (Peg) will be freshest in the memory of MRT audiences. She was nominated for her portrayal of Renata in last year's "Equally Divided." David Adkins (Jack) was nominated for his role in "The Seafarer" during the 2009-10 Season and has since returned to appear in "Homestead Crossing" and "Glengarry Glenn Ross," which was also nominated for Best Ensemble. Ross Bickell (Gunner) won an IRNE Award for 2007-08's "A Delicate Balance" and also appeared in "The Drawer Boy."

The creative team is rounded out by Scenic Designer James Fenton, Costume Designer Deborah Newhall, Lighting Designer Dan Kotlowitz, and Sound Designer Benjamin Emerson.

Tickets range from $60 - $20 and are available at www.mrt.org or by calling 978-654-4678. A Senior discount is offered for 10% off adult ticket prices. Student tickets are $15. Group discounts are available for groups of six or more by calling 978-654-7561. $5 Night: Thursday, April 23 at 7:30 pm. Patrons may purchase tickets for $5, cash only, at the Box Office between 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm. Limit 2 tickets per person. Lowell Night: Wednesday, April 29 at 7:30 pm. Lowell residents may purchase tickets for $10 at the box office from 4:30 pm-7:30 pm. Proper ID required, limit 2 per person. A Military Discount of $10 off per ticket (up to four tickets per production) applies to any performance for active duty, retired, veteran, and reservist members of the military.

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