If the thought of seeing yet another production of A Christmas Carol or The Nutcracker scares you, we have an even more frightening proposition: Cold Lang Syne, the new holiday thriller by Gregory Blair that runs November 26 through January 2, 2011 in the Ruby Theatre at The Complex in Hollywood.
Set on New Year's Eve, Cold Lang Syne is about the reunion of four college friends and their significant others, who come together at a holiday party that takes a deadly turn. Which guests harbor secrets-and who among them is a killer?
"Cold Lang Syne is full of plot twists and turns in the style of Agatha Christie, yet has a contemporary sensibility and is laced with humor," explains director Douglas Green. "On the surface it's very enjoyable, yet underneath is a searing study of the frustrating desire and need to confront our past in order to be able to move forward from it. The play also looks at issues of marriage, and the strength and flaws of young men's group bonds. This all fits with the style of my favorite plays, which entertain on the surface while striking deep chords underneath."
"Thrillers are so much fun, and so rare these days," adds Blair, whose critically-acclaimed adaptation of Nicholas Nickleby had its World Premiere at The Complex several years ago and was a Critic's Pick in Backstage. "And what an exciting change from the same old holiday fare. Cold Lang Syne is a whodunit with lots of laughs, suspects, and surprises."
Prior to joining forces for Cold Lang Syne, Green directed Blair (who is also a noted actor) in Green's production of Sylvia at the Morgan-Wixon Theatre. Green has also directed Cold Lang Syne's producer, Kyle Nudo, in several wildly-successful plays including Company and Scapin.
"I fell in love with Cold Lang Syne at the first producer's reading and decided I wanted to be involved," says Nudo, who has produced theatre across the country, as well as locally while on the board of the Culver City Public Theatre. "I am very excited to have Cold Lang Syne as my current offering through Ipso Facto Productions."
Tickets to Cold Lang Syne go on sale November 1. Tickets are $20 general admission, and $25 for the gala opening night and a special New Year's Eve performance at 7 pm on Friday, December 31. For more information, visit www.ColdLangSyne.us.
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