Merrimack Repertory Theatre to Continue 2014-15 Season with OUT OF THE CITY, 3/19-4/12

Merrimack Repertory Theatre (MRT) 2014-15 Season continues with the romantic comedy "Out of the City," written by Leslie Ayvazian and directed by Christian Parker. This charming new play by an Outer Circle Critics Award-winning playwright makes its regional premiere with this production. Full of laughter and themes of rejuvenation, "Out of the City," is the perfect play to guide New England audiences out of a harsh winter and into spring.

The 90-minute play will run from March 19 - April 12, with press performances at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm on Sunday, March 22, 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 through April 12 at www.mrt.org or by calling 978-654-4678.

In "Out of the City," two couples (Carol and Matt, Jill and Dan) embark on a weekend getaway in the Pocono Mountains, to celebrate Carol's 60th birthday. But paradigms hilariously shift as they settle into their new, woodsy surroundings, and the four longtime friends find even the most basic assumptions about their relationships turned upside down.

Delightfully quirky yet always close-to-home, this romantic comedy presents endearing, relatable characters in a setting that's both fantastical and familiar. It's a play about friendship amidst marriage, forgiveness amidst hurt, and enduring love amidst elusive romance.

All four actors are making their MRT debuts with this production. Charlotte Maier (as Carol) and Ken Land (as Dan) come to Lowell with numerous Broadway credits. Kate Levy (as Jill) joins us with extensive regional theatre and national tours on his resume. Grant Shaud (as Matt) has many Off-Broadway and regional theatre credits, but may be most recognized for his role as Miles Silverberg on the long-running television show "Murphy Brown."

Christian Parker, originally from Andover, returns to MRT after directing "Proof" during the 2012-13 Season. His directing credits also include many productions at the Atlantic Theater Company, where he also served as Associate Artistic Director for nearly thirteen years. He is also Associate Professor and Chair of the graduate Theatre program at Columbia University School of the Arts and is the newly appointed Director-in-Residence at the Kenyon Playwrights Conference.

Playwright Leslie Ayvazian is the winner of the John Gassner/Outer Critics Circle Award for best new American play for "Nine Armenians." She has received commissions from the Manhattan Theatre Club, Windancer Productions, and South Coast Repertory Theatre. Her play "High Dive" was produced at the Long Wharf Theatre and the Manhattan Class Company, and went on to be produced in Poland and Slovakia. Her play "Deaf Day" was produced as a short film in Syria by Rana Kaz Kaz, and was included in the 2012 Palm Springs International Short Film Festival. Leslie is an Adjunct Professor of dramaturgy at the Columbia University Graduate School of the Arts.

The creative team is rounded out by Scenic Designer Lauren Halpern, Costume Designer Jessica Wegener Shay, Lighting Designer Brian J. Lilienthal, and Sound Designer David Remedios.

Tickets range from $60 - $20 and are available at www.mrt.org or by calling 978-654-4678. Senior discount 10% off adult ticket price. Student tickets $15. Group discounts are available for groups of six or more by calling 978-654-7561. $5 Night: Thursday, March 19 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, March 25 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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