Cast Announced For Premiere Of KOALAS at 16th Street Theater

16th Street Theater announces the cast of the world premiere of playwright-in-residence J. Joseph Cox's KOALAS directed by Josh Sobel September 20 - October 27, 2018 at North Berwyn Park District's 16th Street Theater, 6420 16th Street in Berwyn with a press opening of Thursday, September 27 at 7:30 PM.

"We are thrilled to be featuring three Artistic Associates," states Artistic Director Ann Filmer: "Ed Dzialo who leads the cast as Ray Slinger, Michele Di Maso who plays next-door neighbor Gabby and Esteban Andres Cruz as Theo the koala." Newcomer Leo Sharkey plays 10-year old Nate (Natalie) as well as Young Ray, and Michael Holding takes on the role of Ray's brother, John.

Synopsis: The only thing more territorial than the escaped koala living and singing in Ray Slinger's backyard is Ray himself. Ray's protectionism goes into overdrive when his domain is unexpectedly invaded by his unemployed brother and gender-nonconforming child who insists on being called Nate. Stifled by rules gleaned from a rigid father and a rifle that needs constant attention, Ray plays the role of his own worst enemy in his quest to maintain visitation rights. How does a twentieth-century veteran survive the dawning of the twenty-first?

J. Joseph Cox's beautiful, tragi-comic play KOALAS takes place over one week in Fresno, California in the spring of 1999, exploring the changing definition of what it means to be a man. Designs by José Manuel Díaz-Soto (scenic), Jacob Snodgrass (lights), Izumi Inaba (costumes) with music/sound design by Mike Przygoda.

KOALAS is the final show in 16th Street's 2018 Season of Heroes where the critically acclaimed, Jeff Recommended The Hero's Wife is finishing up a successful run.

J. JOSEPH COX (PLAYWRIGHT) is a Chicago based playwright. His full-length plays include Koalas (a finalist for the O'Neill National Playwrights Conference, Princess Grace Award, and Playwrights First Award), St. Paulie's Delight (National Playwrights Conference Semi-Finalist and Dayton Playhouse FutureFest Finalist), and Thirst. His work has been produced and developed by The Blank Theatre, Gorilla Tango, Chicago Dramatists, Seven Devils Playwrights Conference, Portland Stage Company, Something Marvelous Festival, Great Plains Theatre Conference, and The Artistic Home among others. He is a graduate of Lawrence University and the Writing Program at Second City Chicago. He is a member of the Dramatists Guild of America.

JOSH SOBEL (DIRECTOR) is a Chicago-based director and Artistic Director of Haven Theatre Company. Recent credits include We're Gonna Die at Haven, Bobbie Clearly at Steep, The Long Christmas Ride Home and Hunting of the Snark (also Edinburgh Fringe) at Strawdog, Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead at Metropolis and The Importance of Being Earnest featuring Lisa Tejero at Iowa Summer Rep, University of Iowa. Additional credits include work at Chicago Dramatists, Red Orchid, Victory Gardens, Sketchbook, The Ruckus, Greenhouse Theater Center, Abbie-Fest and New Leaf. From 2010-2013 Josh served as Associate Director of the National Theater Institute summer "Theatermakers" program, at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center. Recipient, Stage Directors and Choreographers (SDC) Observership, Hamlet at Writers' Theatre. Associate member, SDC.

September 20 - October 27, 2018
Previews: Sep 20-21 @ 7:30 PM, Sep 22 @ 8:00 PM, Sun Sep 23 @ 3:00 PM
No 4pm Sat Sep 22
Press Opening: Thursday, September 27 @ 7:30 PM
Regular Run: Thursdays & Fridays @ 7:30 PM, Saturdays @ 4:00 & 8:00 PM
Special Sunday matinees: Oct 7 and Oct 21 @ 3:00 PM
Moderated post-show dialogues follow Thursday, Friday, Sunday performances.

TO PURCHASE TICKETS:
Online - www.16thstreettheater.org
By Phone - (708) 795-6704
In Person - at North Berwyn Park District, 1619 Wesley Ave., Berwyn

HOW MUCH:
General: $22, Berwyn Residents / Military / Low Income: $18
Group Discounts for 8+

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