THE WHIPPING MAN to Run 1/29-2/16 at Archbold Theatre

Richmond, April, 1865. The Civil War has ended and Caleb DeLeon, a badly wounded Confederate soldier, stumbles into the ruin of what was once his home. His family has fled the City's destruction leaving two former slaves, Simon and John, to wait and watch. Together they care for the wounded Caleb, and having adopted the religion of their former owners, celebrate Passover. A mesmerizing drama where secrets are revealed and the plot twists and turns. Since opening off-Broadway to critical acclaim and winning the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Play, The Whipping Man has become one of the most produced plays in the country.

The Whipping Man performs January 29 - February 16 in the Archbold Theatre at the Syracuse Stage/Drama Complex. It is recommended for ages 13 and up due to mature subject matter. Tickets can be purchased online at www.SyracuseStage.org, by phone at 315-443-3275, or in person at the Syracuse Stage Box Office at 820 East Genesee Street. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more at 315-443-9844.

Pre-and post-show events during the run of The Whipping Man include the Opening Night Party on January 31 with live music, Wednesday @ 1 Lecture on February 5 ("Jews and the Civil War" with Samuel D. Gruber, Ph.D, Rothman Family Lecturer in Judaic Studies at Syracuse University), Happy Hour on February 6 (with half price drinks and complimentary snacks), an Actor Talkback following the 7 p.m. show on February 9, and Prologues (moderated discussions with actors) on February 2, February 8, and February 13.) Visit Syracuse Stage Events for more information.

Additionally, in the Coyne Lobby patrons can enjoy an exhibit prepared by Onondaga Historical Association titled "Syracuse Reflections on Slavery and The Civil War," which will depict stories about the history of slavery in Onondaga County Prior to 1827. The display will also cover Syracuse's Jewish community during the Civil War, including Jewish soldiers of the Fourth Onondaga County Regiment, the 149th New York Volunteers, and the significance of Syracuse's salt industry to the Union cause.

The Whipping Man is one of the most popular new plays in America, produced at over 30 theatres nationwide. In 2010 it premiered in New York at Manhattan Theatre Club, where it sold-out and extended four times. The New York Times called it "haunting, striking, and powerful." "A perfect balance between realism and drama, culminating in a Seder loaded with ironies and revelations," said The New Yorker. Entertainment Weekly said, "Smart dialogue ranges from rhythmic to biting to funny." Subsequently, playwright Matthew Lopez was awarded the John Gassner New Play Award from the New York Outer Critics Circle.

Following the success of The Whipping Man, Matthew Lopez became one of the most widely-produced new playwrights in America. He holds new play commissions from Roundabout Theatre Company, Manhattan Theatre Club, Hartford Stage, and South Coast Rep. He was a season two staff writer on Aaron Sorkin's HBO series The Newsroom and is currently developing a screen adaptation of Javier Marias' Your Face Tomorrow trilogy for Brad Pitt's Plan B Entertainment.

The Syracuse Stage cast features Biko Eisen-Martin (John), Gregory Perri (Caleb), and JoNathan Peck (Simon). Designers of the production are William Bloodgood (Scenic Designer), Gretchen Darrow-Crotty (Costume Designer), Darren McCroom (Lighting Designer), and Michael G. Keck (Composer). Additional credits include Kyle Bass (Dramaturg), Stuart Plymesser (Production Stage Manager), Rabbi Daniel Fellman (Rabbinic Consultant), Malcolm Ingram (Dialect Coach), and Felix Ivanov (Fight Choreographer). The Director is Timothy Bond.

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