Previews For Circle Theatre's ART Begin 3/19

Circle Theatre, a professional, contemporary regional theatre company in Sundance Square, will begin previews of ART on March 19, 2009. ART preview performances are on March 19, 20, and 21 (matinee), and the show officially opens Saturday, March 21, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. Circle's production of ART will be accompanied by an art exhibit in the theatre's newly updated lobby gallery space, featuring works by artist Robert Beverly. Beverly works creatively with wood, glass, metal and concrete mediums.

Circle Theatre will also unveil its new "look" during Sneak Peek Open Houses on Friday, March 20, 2009 and Saturday, March 21 from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Additionally, there will be a post-show Opening Night Celebration, following Saturday evening's performance on March 21. 

ART is a witty, thought-provoking comedy about friendship, art and how we define ourselves. It explores a long-term friendship and whether or not three friends can come to terms with the purchase of an expensive piece of modern art. ART was written by Yasmina Reza and translated by Christopher Hampton. It won the 1998 Tony Award for Best Play. Please note: the show will have some adult language.

Circle Theatre's production of ART is directed by Jaime Castañeda. The cast consists of Jakie Cabe* (recognized by the Dallas-Fort Worth's Critics' Forum award for his performance in Circle Theatre's production of Chesapeake), Paul Jung (seen at Circle Theatre in FireStarter's production of Sonnets for an Old Century) and David Fluitt* (last seen at Circle Theatre in Crimes of the Heart).

"We're excited to produce this play for our audiences," said Rose Pearson, Circle Theatre's executive director and producer. "ART is the perfect contemporary play to open an exciting season in new, updated surroundings."

Students and seniors (65+) receive a $5 discount on any full-priced ticket. Student Rush tickets are available for half price, at half hour before show time (on standby).  Friday, March 20 & Friday, March 27, Circle will offer discounted University Night Tickets to the show.  On these two evenings, students can purchase $5 tickets and faculty or staff members can attend for only $10. Groups of 10 (or more) receive a $5 discount on each full-priced ticket.

Seating is limited and reservations are recommended.  Call 817.877.3040 or stop by the box office, Tuesday through Friday, from 1:00pm to 6:00pm and on hour before show times.

Circle Theatre accepts Bell Helicopter coupons, the KERA Member Rewards Card, Sundance Square Insider coupons and the Star-Telegram Press Pass.

Jaime Castañeda directs a cast featuring Jakie Cabe*, Paul Jung and David Fluitt*. Sara Harris* is the Stage Manager and Jordan Andrews will serve as Assistant Stage Manager.

Production team members for ART are: Yvonne Boudreaux, Set Designer; Susanna Brown, Costume Designer; David Lambert, Sound Designer; John Leach, Lighting Designer; and Cathy O'Neal*; Props Manager. *Actors' Equity Association
 
Yasmina Reza is an acclaimed French playwright, screenwriter and novelist. She began her career as an actress and, in 1987, wrote Conversations After a Burial, which won the Molière Award for Best Author and was subsequently performed across Europe and in South America. Another play, The Unexpected Man, enjoyed successful productions in France, Scandinavia and Germany. In 1995, Art premiered in Paris and went on to win the Molière Award for Best Author and the 1998 Tony Award for Best Play. Since then it has been produced world-wide and translated into 20 languages. Reza's screenwriting credits include See You Tomorrow, and her first novel, Hammerklavier, was published in France to great critical acclaim.

Jaime Castañeda has directed numerous productions across the country, including: Welcome to Arroyos (Summer Play Festival); One for the Road (DirectorFest); Crave, Closer, Momentahn, Blue/Orange, Nocturne and Sonnets for an Old Century (FireStarter Productions); Red Light Winter (Perseverance Theatre); Attack of the Asians (Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts - new play workshop); This is How it Goes, Credeaux Canvas and Just Because You're Paranoid Doesn't Mean They're Not Out to Get You (Amphibian Stage Productions); Lincolnesque, Chesapeake and A Very Merry Unauthorized Children's Scientology Pageant (Circle Theatre). Assistant director: Anon, Almost an Evening and Parlour Song (Atlantic Theater Company); Pig Farm (Old Globe Theatre); Going Gone (Cincinnati Playhouse); Two Unrelated Plays (Center Theatre Group). Jaime has received various Dallas/Fort Worth Critics Forum awards, a Live Theatre League award, a Drama League fall fellowship and a 2008 Princess Grace Award.  He is an associate member of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers. Jaime is currently an artist in residence at American Theatre Company in Chicago and recently finished assistant directing Speed the Plow on Broadway at the Barrymore Theatre.  He is the Producing Artistic Director and Founder of FireStarter Productions.  Education: MFA, Directing (University of Texas at Austin).

Circle Theatre is a non-profit regional theatre, founded in 1981 by Rose Pearson and Bill Newberry. Circle brings contemporary plays, not yet produced in the community, to the Fort Worth area. The Theatre's mission is to present professional, innovative productions in its intimate 125-seat setting. Circle provides a place for emerging playwrights, directors, designers and actors to hone their craft. As an Equity Theatre, Circle offers salaries and benefits to professional artists who wish to continue pursuing their careers while living in Texas. Additionally, during the Theatre's off-times in its main stage season, Circle provides its space to emerging theatre companies. Circle Theatre also strongly supports the role education plays in the future of all arts organizations and collaborates with local university theatre departments to give students the experience of working in a professional theatre environment. Thanks to a successful capital campaign, Circle Theatre recently underwent an extensive three-month renovation in early 2009. For more information,  visit www.circletheatre.com.

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