SEMINAR Opens 2/19 at TheatreWorks New Milford

On Friday, February 19, TheatreWorks New Milford will kick off its 2016 main stage season with the contemporary comedy Seminar by Pulitzer Prize-nominee Theresa Rebeck. The curtain rises at 8:00 p.m. on a four-week run.

In Seminar, four aspiring young novelists sign up for private writing classes with Leonard (Kevin Sosbe, New Milford), an international literary figure. Under his recklessly brilliant and unorthodox instruction, some thrive and others flounder, alliances are made and broken, sex is used as a weapon and hearts are unmoored. The wordplay is not the only thing that turns vicious as innocence collides with experience in this provocative comedy that took Broadway by storm.

"Seminar provides an insight into the writing process with a razor-sharp wit that you don't typically see," said director and set designer Alicia Dempster of Danbury. "There are many different types of writing personalities and Seminar really explores how a writer manages to cross over that bridge from being an aspiring writer to being an accomplished one. Some have connections, some have fortitude, while some are just innately talented. The bottom line, however, is how willing an artist is to play the game. And [playwright Theresa] Rebeck examines that in this play with great insight and humor."

"This is a great ensemble piece with a great ensemble cast...most of them new to the TheatreWorks stage," said producer and co-lighting designer Richard Pettibone of New Milford. "Anyone who's ever put their creative endeavors out there to have them scrutinized, studied, and sometimes crushed, will find the show poignant, biting, and very funny."

Besides Sosbe, the production features an outstanding cast of regional actors: Chris Luongo (Poughkeepsie, N.Y.), Reesa Roccapriore (New Milford), and Anya Caravella and Jim Dietter (both Danbury).

In addition to Dempster and Pettibone, the show's crew includes co-lighting designer Scott Wyshynski, sound designer Tom Libonate, and state manager Kathy Bolster.

Seminar made its debut on Broadway at the John Golden Theatre on November 20, 2011 with the recently departed Alan Rickman playing the role of Leonard. Time Out New York called the show, "Sexy, savvy and uproarious!" Parental advisory: Seminar explores adult themes and language. It's not recommended for children under 13.

Seminar runs February 19,20 26,27 March 4,5,6 11,12. Curtain time is 8:00 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays, with a 2:00 p.m. Sunday matinee on March 6. Tickets for all shows are $23 for reserved seating. Students and Military personnel with ID will be admitted for $18.

On Thursday, February 18, Senior Citizens are invited to a free dress rehearsal at 8:00 p.m. Thursday, February 25 at 8:00 p.m., is TheatreWorks' Pay-What-You-Want night. At this performance, you name the price for your ticket.

Reservations can be made online at theatreworks.us or by calling the box office at (860) 350-6863.

TheatreWorks is an award-winning, non-Equity theatre company, named Best Community Theater in Connecticut by Connecticut Magazine. TheatreWorks is located at 5 Brookside Avenue , just off Route 202 (next to the CVS), in New Milford , CT. Parking is located behind the Catherine E. Lillis Administration Building at 50 East Street, New Milford.

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