Donahoe, Elrod, Frankle, Glover et al. Set for Premiere of THE WAKE at Kirk Douglas Theatre

The cast and designers have been set and rehearsals have begun for the world premiere of Lisa Kron's "The Wake," presented by Center Theatre Group at the Kirk Douglas Theatre in a co-production with Berkeley Repertory Theatre. "The Wake" opens on March 28, 2010, and continues through April 18. Previews begin March 21.

Obie Award-winner Lisa Kron reunites with Leigh Silverman, who directed Kron's highly acclaimed 2006 production of "Well" on Broadway, to present this new play to Los Angeles audiences.

Under Silverman's direction, the cast of "The Wake" features (in alphabetical order) Emily Donahoe, Carson Elrod, Andrea Frankle, Miriam F. Glover, Deirdre O'Connell, Heidi Schreck and Danielle Skraastad.

The set design is by David Korins, costume design by Meg Neville, lighting and projection design by Alexander V. Nichols, sound design by Cricket S. Myers and Kathryn Bostic is the composer. Casting is by Bonnie Grisan, Amy Potozkin and Erika Sellin, and the production stage manager is Elizabeth Atkinson.

"The Wake" centers on Ellen, a smart, politically engaged, freelance writer who has created a warm circle of friends - a "puppy pile of people" - including her longtime partner, his sister and her partner. She gathers them together for a Thanksgiving dinner in 2000 but has trouble joining the festivities with her mind on the contested presidential election. She is adamant that her friends don't understand how bad The Situation really is.

It turns out that Ellen, in the midst of the political turmoil of the 21st century, is also unable to see the facts at the center of her own political and emotional life. Kron's searing new play unearths the assumptions of privilege and comfort that lie deep in the American character, and confronts the inescapable truth that no matter how intelligent, open or self-reflective you think you are, you'll never be able to see your own blind spot.

Tickets for "The Wake" are on sale now and are available by calling (213) 628-2772, online at www.CenterTheatreGroup.org, in person at the Center Theatre Group box office at the Ahmanson Theatre or two hours prior to performances at the Kirk Douglas Theatre box office.

The Kirk Douglas Theatre is located at 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232.

Photo of Emily Donahoe, Heidi Schreck and Carson Elrod. Photo Credit: Craig Schwartz

 

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