Geva-Commissioned PANORAMA By Prince Gomolvilas, Chosen For Plays In Progress 2018

Geva Theatre Center unveils the play chosen for Plays in Progress 2018 to be held in the Fielding Stage on April 16. Plays in Progress are vibrant and innovative plays by some of the most exciting playwrights working today. Through Geva's Plays in Progress program, writers can hear their work performed, discuss the play with the audience and then continue to work on the play to its next level. This year's play, Panorama by Prince Gomolvilas, has been commissioned by Geva as part of the theatre's "Rochester Stories" program.

Here is the play chosen for Plays in Progress 2018:

Panorama by Prince Gomolvilas

Directed by Tim Dang

Monday April 16 at 7pm

On a clear day in Rochester, New York, in 1871, atop an observation tower that used to stand on Mount Hope Cemetery's highest point, thousands of locals witnessed a remarkable phenomenon which came to be known as "The Rochester Mirage." Several days later, a group of Rochesterians return to the scene of the strange occurrence. They include the cemetery groundskeeper who's been inspired to change his life and open his heart to the possibility of love; a new employee who seeks the courage to take on the enormous responsibility which has been placed upon his shoulders; and an outspoken woman who demands that the city's myriad secrets be brought to light. Panorama delves deep into Rochester's hidden history and uncovers the untold stories that helped shape this nation. The cast includes Marc Damon Johnson, Yeng Thao, Jessiee Datino, and John Wernke.

Geva Theatre Center is proud to have made a commitment to telling the stories of our region, stories that have helped to shape the world around us," commented Geva's Literary Director and Resident Dramaturg, Jenni Werner. I'm thrilled that we were able to commission Los Angeles-based playwright Prince Gomolvilas to write this play inspired by a rare atmospheric phenomenon which happened at Mount Hope Cemetery, our country's first municipal cemetery. How might that experience in 1871 have impacted the lives of those who witnessed it? It's also great to welcome Prince back to Rochester. We first worked with him two years ago, on his play The Brothers Paranormal. Prince returned for a week-long writing residency this summer, and at a visit to Mount Hope Cemetery, discovered the story of The Rochester Mirage.

Panorama will be presented in an informal, script-in-hand performance format and are followed by a discussion with the playwright. Plays in Progress 2018 is part of Geva Theatre Center's ongoing commitment to developing and producing new work for the American theatre.

Admission to the reading is free, but reservations are required. Due to the popularity of this event, patrons are limited to two tickets per person. Call the Geva Theatre Center Box Office at 585-232-Geva (4382) or visit www.gevatheatre.org for tickets. Play readings sell out quickly, but tickets often become available the night of the performance.

Founded in 1972, Geva Theatre Center is a not-for-profit, professional theatre company dedicated to creating and producing professional theatre productions, programs and services of a national standard. As Rochester's leading professional theatre, Geva Theatre Center is the most attended regional theatre in New York State, and one of the 25 most subscribed in the country, serving up to 160,000 patrons annually, including more than 16,000 students.

The 516-seat Elaine P. Wilson Stage is home to a wide variety of performances, from musicals to American and world classics. The 180-seat Ron & Donna Fielding Stage is home to Geva's own series of contemporary drama, comedy and musical theatre; Geva Comedy Improv; Geva's New Play Reading Series and the Hornets' Nest - an innovative play-reading series facilitating community-wide discussion on controversial topics. In addition, the Fielding Stage hosts visiting companies of both local and international renown.

Geva Theatre Center offers a wide variety of educational, outreach and literary programs, nurturing audiences and artists alike. Since 1995, the organization has been under the artistic direction of Mark Cuddy.

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