Blank Theatre to Premiere Michael John LaChiusa Play SUKIE & SUE: THEIR STORY; Lindsey Broad, Mackenzie Phillips Lead Cast

Casting is complete and rehearsals have begun for The Blank Theatre's world premiere production of Sukie & Sue: Their Story by Michael John LaChiusa, directed by Kirsten Sanderson. Developed last year in The Blank's Living Room Series, Sukie & Sue: Their Story is the only play ever written by LaChiusa, who has received five Tony Award nominations for his musicals. Sukie & Sue: Their Story begins previews on April 21, and opening is set for Saturday, April 28 at 8pm. The engagement will run through Sunday, June 3.

Based on actual events, Sukie & Sue: Their Story tells "the creepy yet funny tale of two young nurses who have everything to live for ... great boyfriends, jobs that actually help people, and as much weed as they can smoke. That is until their Raggedy Ann doll becomes possessed and destroys their lives. Packed with laughter, this play is likely to send audiences home checking under their beds for demons with hair made of red yarn."

The cast, in alphabetical order, is Nick Ballard, Lindsey Broad (The Office, 21 Jump Street), Elena Campbell-Martinez, Eddie Driscoll, Rae Foster, Lenny Jacobson (Nurse Jackie), Mary-Beth Manning, and Mackenzie Phillips (One Day at a Time). Kirsten Sanderson has directed new works by Michael John LaChiusa, Craig Lucas, Shel Silverstein, Steven Schwartz, and Blake Edwards, among others. For The Blank, Sanderson also directed LaChiusa's Little Fish, and last season's Terre Haute by Edmund White, starring Mike Farrell and Jim Parrack.

Along with an original underscore by Michael John LaChiusa, the design team for Sukie & Sue: Their Story includes set by Eric Broadwater, lighting by Stephanette Smith, costumes by Bethany Jane Bohatila, props and special effects by Stephen Weston, and sound by Warren Davis. Producers are Matthew Graber, Daniel Henning, and Noah Wyle, and the stage manager is Liana Dillaway.

Sukie & Sue: Their Story begins previews on Saturday, April 21 at 8pm. Previews continue on Sunday, April 22 at 2pm and Tuesday, April 24 through Friday, April 27 at 8pm. Opening night is set for Saturday, April 28 at 8:00. The regular running schedule is Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 2pm through June 3. Admission is $26 for previews, and ranges from $26-$30 for regular performances. Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased by visiting www.TheBlank.com, or by calling (323) 661-9827.

The Blank's 2nd Stage Theatre is located at 6500 Santa Monica Boulevard (at Wilcox), in Hollywood. Secured valet parking is available for evening performances.

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