Native Voices at the Autry Presents the World Premiere of BINGO HALL

The only Equity theatre company dedicated exclusively to developing and producing new work by Native American artists, Native Voices presents the world premiere of Bingo Hall by Dillon Chitto (Mississippi Choctaw, Laguna, Isleta Pueblo).

Set in a pueblo community, Bingo Hall is a coming of age tale that focuses on the life of teenager Edward Anaya. His comfortable life as the senior center's bingo caller is challenged when college acceptance letters kick-start an identity crisis: Who will Edward be if he leaves home and bingo behind? Edward knows just what to say until romantic rejection, family antics, and community pressures leave him tongue-tied. New playwright Dillon Chitto brings the pueblo to the American theatre in this hilarious new play about tradition in a fast-changing world.

Jean Bruce Scott, Native Voices Producing Artistic Director, said "Bingo Hall is such a funny and heartwarming play. With the character of Edward Anaya, Chitto has given audiences a fresh-faced Ferris Bueler in a pueblo, struggling with teenage angst, familial embarrassment, and the fretful pangs of first love. In this fast-paced comedy, Chitto manages to tackle tribal politics, the loss of tradition and language, and waiting for college acceptance letters with keen insight and humor."

"Given our current climate of fear and unruly politics, it's rewarding to spend 90 minutes with this charming extended family and three teenagers ready to take on the world," said Randy Reinholz, Native Voices Producing Artistic Director. "Their optimism is infectious-by laughing and crying with them, you're apt to figure out your own troubles."

Bingo Hall is Chitto's first play and is Native Voices' 25th Equity production and 22nd world premiere. Five-time Ovation Award nominee Jon Lawrence Rivera (Artistic Director, LA Playwrights Arena) directs with a design team that includes set designer Christopher Scott Murillo, video designer Tom Ontiveros, sound designer John Nobori (2016 Ovation Award winner for The Golden Dragon, The Theatre @ Boston Court), costume designer E.B. Brooks (2017 Ovation Award winner for The Legend of Georgia McBride, Geffen Theatre), and lighting designer Carla Linten. Lawrence has assembled an outstanding Native American cast led by Kholan Studi (Cherokee) and Duane Minard (Yurok, Paiute)-last seen in the rolling world premiere of Native Voices They Don't Talk Back at the Autry, La Jolla Playhouse, and Perseverance Theatre.

SPECIAL EVENTS
Opening Night
Friday, March 9, 8:00 p.m.
A reception with the cast and crew follows the Opening Night performance.

Conversation With the Playwright
Saturday, March 10
Following the 2:00 p.m. matinee, artistic director Randy Reinholz and playwright Dillon Chitto will discuss the impetus behind Bingo Hall and their processes for writing new plays.

Bingo!
Saturday, March 17
As a special treat, the Autry will host a round of bingo in the cafe before doors open for the 8:00 p.m.performance.

TICKETS
Tickets for Bingo Hall are $10 for Autry members; $25 for nonmembers; and $15 for students, seniors (60+), and military. Preview tickets are free for Autry Members; $15 for nonmembers; and $10 for students, seniors (60+), and military. A select number of Early Bird discount tickets are available for regular performances until March 1. See additional pricing information below. Performances take place at the Wells Fargo Theater, located at the Autry Museum of the American West, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027. For reservations and additional information, please call 323.495.4354 or visit TheAutry.org/NativeVoices.

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