LUKA'S ROOM Opens Tonight at Rogue Machine

An edgy coming-of-age adventure with a bruised heart, Luka's Room is Rogue Machine's second offering this season following Samuel D. Hunter's A Permanent Image (CRITIC'S PICK/LA Times). It tells the story of nineteen-year-old college sophomore Luka Lupatelli's transformation, as only Rob Mersola (Dirty Filthy Love Story -CRITIC'S PICK/ LA Times, Ovation nomination for Best New Play, three LA Weekly Award nominations) could twist it. Rogue Machine received the American Theatre Wing's 2014 National Theatre Company Grant, given only to 12 theatre companies in the country.

After his father runs out of money, Luka is forced to transfer from Arizona State to Valley College and move in with his eccentric Grandma Franca. He shares the house with his recently paroled Uncle, an old-school thug ready to start earning again. When Luka falls hard for Uncle Nick's beautiful and damaged "acquaintance" Angie, his loyalty, innocence, and self-worth are harshly tested.

"Rob's skewed and unique voice has always appealed to me as a producer and as an actor. His characters are as unforgettable as the wild and exciting ride he takes us on. Los Angeles has finally discovered this gem of a writer, about to hit on a whole new level." - Jennifer Pollono; Producer

Rob Mersola (Playwright) is a playwright, director and producer. His hit play Dirty Filthy Love Story (LA Times -CRITIC'S CHOICE, Ovation Nom for Best New Play, three LA Weekly Award noms) premiered at Rogue Machine to critical acclaim. Rob produced John Pollono's play Lost Girls, directed by John Perrin Flynn. Rob's play Backseats & Bathroom Stalls (AKA Love Sucks), played at the Lyric-Hyperion Theatre and the Coast Playhouse (2009-2011) to rave reviews and sold-out houses. Several of his plays have been produced in New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Rob's work has been performed at the world famous Aspen Comedy Festival, and LA's Improv Olympic, among others.

Joshua Bitton (Director) has directed Stranger at Theatre/Theatre (CRITIC'S PICK/LA Times, Go! LA Weekly), Bashat The Elephant, and most recently Brothers and Sisters for the Inner Pieces benefit against bullying. A member of Rogue Machine, he has been seen on stage in Dirty Filthy Love Story (LA Weekly nomination - Best Actor) by Robert Mersola, and John Pollono's Lost Girls. As an actor he has appeared in over 30 television shows including recurring roles on Castleand The Mentalist as well as HBO's Emmy winning mini-series The Pacific. Film credits include over a dozen movies, most recently wrapping the indie feature Diggers.

LUKA'S ROOM opens at 8pm tonight, August 1st and runs at 8pm Fridays and Saturdays, 3pm on Sundays (no performance on Saturday, August 22nd) through September 20, 2015. ROGUE MACHINE is located at 5041 W. Pico Blvd., LA, CA 90019. Tickets are $30 - $35. Reservations: 855-585-5185 or at www.roguemachinetheatre.com.

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