Kitchen Theatre Presents David Ives' VENUS IN FUR, Now thru 2/9

It may be cold outside, but inside the Kitchen Theatre Company it is hot, hot, hot. Starting tonight, January 22nd is David Ives' Tony Award-winning Broadway hit Venus in Fur, a comedy about sexual power, power plays, and the power of Love - the Goddess of Love, that is. The New York Times called it "90 minutes of good, kinky fun." Preview performances are tonight, January 22, 23, and 24. Opening Night is January 25th, and the play closes February 9.

The play opens on Thomas Novachek, a director/playwright who has written a stage adaptation of Leopold von Sacher-Masoch's inflammatory 1870 novella Venus in Fur. Novachek is desperate to find an actress who can bring to life the role of the sexually adventurous Vanda von Dunayev. When actress Vanda Jordan shows up to audition, she and playwright Novachek read the play together, and the line between the reality of the audition and the events in the play begins to blur. Like the thunderstorm raging outside, the atmosphere in the rehearsal studio is electrically charged. Venus in Fur is a steamy, smart, and provocative look at gender roles, role-playing, power, domination and submission.

Venus in Fur is directed by Kitchen Theatre Artistic Director Rachel Lampert (Frankie & Johnny in the Clair de Lune, Opus, Broke-ology, Red Light Winter, The Mystery of Irma Vep, Mary's Wedding, among many others). Playing Thomas is Brandon Morris, no stranger to provocative plays. He was seen last season at the Kitchen in both Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune and The Motherf**ker with the Hat. Morris has extensive regional theater and television credits, as does his co-star, Kitchen Theatre newcomer, Maddie Jo Landers.

"Wildly wicked fun!" says director Lampert. "I love the constantly shifting power play between Thomas and Vanda. It's edgy and sexy. And I couldn't ask for a better cast. The chemistry between the two actors was there right from the start. We are all fascinated by the play and delighted to bring this deliciously intricate and incendiary text to life. David Ives' brilliant play boldly presents sexuality, desire, power and yes - kinky fun - in a way that, like Venus, is sure to beguile all."

Scenic and Lighting Design for Venus in Fur is by Tyler M. Perry, Sound Design is by Lesley Greene, and Costume Design is by Maxine Etchison.

Kitchen Theatre Company is pleased to have the support of Production Co-Producer CSP Management and Media Sponsor The Lansing Star.

In conjunction with the Ithaca premiere of Venus in Fur, the Kitchen Theatre Company will present a number of ancillary events: free pre-show discussions with local experts on issues related to the play and post-show talk backs with the cast and director. Pre-show talks are scheduled for Thursday, January 30 and Thursday, February 6 at 6:30pm. Talkbacks are scheduled for Friday, December 13 and 20. Please check our website for more events: www.kitchentheatre.org.

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