LA Gay and Lesbian Center's THE SONNETEER Extends Run Thru 4/3

The L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center's Lily Tomlin/Jane Wagner Cultural Arts Center's production of the world premiere of The Sonneteer, the new play by award-winning playwright Nick Salamone, has been extended by popular demand. After garnering outstanding reviews from the Los Angeles Times, the LA Weekly, and many others, The Sonneteer will play at the Center's Davidson/Valentini Theatre through April 3 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at www.lagaycenter.org/boxoffice or by calling 323-860-7300. [Note: There will be no performances on March 18, 19 and 20.] Net proceeds from all ticket sales support the free and low-cost programs of the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center.

In The Sonneteer, Meet the Cardamones, a first-generation Italian-American family in Philadelphia, and follow them through five decades of their turbulent history. From the 1940s to the 1980s, these vivid, engaging characters struggle with homophobia and self-delusion and the wrenching effects that change every one of their lives.

The gifted ensemble of actors has extensive stage and television experience: Cynthia Gravinese (The Manor), Paul Haitkin (House), Victoria Hoffman (Dragon Age: Origins), Ed Martin (The Laramie Project), Ray Oriel (Dogeaters), and Sandra Purpuro (Days of Our Lives).

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT THE SONNETEER

L.A. TIMES CRITIC'S CHOICE! "Jon Lawrence Rivera and a superlative cast nail the humor and pathos of these colorful, complicated characters. Like Arthur Miller before him, Salamone exposes the roiling undercurrents in ordinary lives."

"Nick Salamone's new intergenerational play, The Sonneteer, is that beautiful, lyrical and exquisite
piece of art that is on its way to becoming a masterpiece ... This reviewer can't remember being so excited about a new play." ~stageandcinema.com

"Director Jon Lawrence Rivera sensitively explores the rich characters and understated subtleties of Salamone's play, with fine assistance from his able and faithful cast." ~LA Weekly

"The writing in The Sonneteer is strong and the direction by Jon Lawrence Rivera is simple, yet elegant. But it's the acting that makes this show soar, and everyone excels in their roles." ~Frontiers

The ensemble is terrific, each creating a distinct character that we care about. [Paul] Haitken plays a dual role of father and son and the changes in the characters are clearly drawn. Haitkin truly shines." ~Frontiers

[Purpuro] delivers a knockout performance that is the connecting thread of the story. ~Frontiers

Cynthia Gravinese perfectly embodies big-mouthed and bossy Vita. ~stageandcinema.com

Sandra Purpuro is understated and hauntingly luminescent as Livvy - especially effective when

skillfully interpreting Salamone's extraordinary sonnets. ~stageandcinema.com

The world premiere of THE SONNETEER

Written by Nick Salamone
Directed by Jon Lawrence Rivera
Starring: Cynthia Gravinese, Paul Haitkin, Victoria Hoffman, Ed Martin,
Ray Oriel, Sandra Purpuro
Produced by Jon Imparato for the Lily Tomlin/Jane Wagner Cultural Arts Center

The Davidson/Valentini Theatre (50-seat black-box theatre)
L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center's Village at Ed Gould Plaza
1125 N. McCadden Place, Los Angeles 90038
(One block east of Highland, just north of Santa Monica Blvd.)
Free parking

Through April 3, 2011
Fridays & Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 7 p.m.
[NOTE: No performances March 18-19-20.]

General Admission. Fridays and Sundays: $20 Saturdays: $25
Available on-line at www.lagaycenter.org/boxoffice or call 323-860-7300.

ABOUT THE LA GAY AND LESBIAN CENTER

The L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center provides a broad array of services for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community, welcoming nearly a quarter-million client visits from ethnically diverse youth and adults each year. Through its Jeffrey Goodman Special Care Clinic and on-site
pharmacy, the Center offers free and low-cost health, mental health, HIV/AIDS medical care and HIV/STD testing and prevention. The Center also offers legal, social, cultural and educational services, with unique programs for seniors, families and youth, including a 24-bed transitional
living program for homeless youth. Information about the Gay & Lesbian Center is available on the Web at www.lagaycenter.org.

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