KC Rep Set Cast for World Premiere of ROOF OF THE WORLD

Kansas City Repertory Theatre's Artistic Director Eric Rosen is pleased to announce the cast of the World Premiere of D. Tucker Smith's Roof of the World. Both a spy adventure story and a drama of a British family caught in a political crisis, Roof is a sweeping romance that takes place on two continents during Queen Victoria's rule. The action follows a young British explorer and an Indian spy in disguise as they travel into the uncharted territory of what is now Afghanistan. Their story unfolds amidst "The Great Game" -- the race between England and Russia to map the Pamir Mountains to gain control of much of Asia -- of which they are both instrumental players. Daring escapes and fights, blossoming secret love, and the transformation of a rich Victorian family put at odds with the British Empire will keep your heart racing until its final moments. Presented in association with Jana Robbins Productions.

"Roof of the World is unique among new plays" Rosen stated. "Many contemporary plays are small in scope and bound by the limitations of realism. D. Tucker Smith offers us a true epic, wrangling the history of British Empire, the struggle for Afghanistan, and the sweep of an epic love story into one breathless, glorious play. Directing this kind of historical romance calls on talents and feats of imagination that we love at the Rep, and we are delighted to offer our audiences the first chance to experience this thrilling new play."

Press night is scheduled for Opening Night Friday, March 4 at 8:00 pm. High res rehearsal photos can be found here .Appropriate for ages 13 +.

The ensemble cast, drawn from across the country, includes Anjali Bhimani as Safia Das Hayward (Modern Family, Metamorphoses and Bombay Dreams on Broadway), Jason Chanos as Shaw (KC Rep: A Christmas Carol, Rubicon: Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?), Bree Elrod as Prue (Shutter Island, Dark Feed), Brent Harris as Edward (The Least Among You, Openings: The Search for Harry), Darrie Lawrence as Charlotte (August Rush, The Night Before, KC Rep: The Trip to the Bountiful), Matthew Lindblom as Martin (Living After Midnight, The Audition), Mark Robbins as Rawlinson (KC Rep: Angels in America, Death of a Salesman, Heart of America Shakespeare Festival: Macbeth (Macbeth)), Vanessa Severo as Young Woman and Molly (Trivial, KC Rep: Vanya, Sonia, Masha & Spike, August: Osage County), and Rusty Sneary as George (KC Rep: A Christmas Carol, The Who & The What, Carousel).

The design and production team includes Eric Rosen (Director), Jack Magaw (Set Design), Amanda Zieve (Lighting Design), Gregory Gale (Costume Design), Andre Pluess (Sound Design) and Jeffrey Cady (Projections Design).

This production is part of Origin KC, KC Rep's new play development program, which encompasses every aspect of the creation of new works, from readings, commissions, and discussions of plays in progress to productions and workshops in our annual Origin KC Festival, along with full productions of new plays.

Conversation Series

Patrons are invited and welcome to attend these FREE post-show forums to learn more from the artists and creative teams about the production.

Making the Play: 30 minutes prior to every preview and weekend performance, free pre-show conversation with the artistic staff

Meet the Creative Team: March 2, following the 7 pm performance

Scholars' Forum: March 12, following the 2pm performance

Actor's Forum: March 13, following the 2pm performance and March 16, following the

7 pm performance

Subscriptions and Tickets

Tickets to the Roof of the World start at $25. For 2015-16 season subscription and ticket information, please contact the Box Office at 816.235.2700 or visit www.KCRep.org.

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