Photo Flash: PLASTICITY Takes Audiences Inside Human Consciousness at Hudson Guild Theatre

A comatose man re-emerges into consciousness in a multilayered, multimedia theatrical event about the miraculous power of the brain to re-wire and heal itself. The world premiere of Plasticity, written by Ovation, Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle and LA Weekly award-nominated co-writers Alex Lyras and Robert McCaskill (The Common Air), opens January 28 for an eight-week run at the Hudson Guild Theatre. BroadwayWorld has a first look at Lyras onstage below!

McCaskill and Lyras team up with two-time Grammy Award-nominated composer Ken Rich, visual artist Corwin Evans and three-time Emmy Award-winning editor Peter Chakos (The Big Bang Theory) to create a profound, humorous and highly ambitious tour of The Collective Unconscious.

Blending cutting-edge science with masterful storytelling, Plasticity takes the audience deep inside the mind of David Rosely, even as he lies in a coma. A hovering circle of doctors and loved ones, including David's twin brother Grant, are all played by Lyras in an unusual solo performance: the actor not only creates multiple characters, but interacts with them on stage through the use of integrated projections.

Lyras and McCaskill, who directs, extensively researched the science of brain plasticity, conducting multiple interviews with doctors and scientists before committing the script to paper.

Brain plasticity (from the Greek word "plastos" meaning molded) refers to the extraordinary ability of the brain to modify its own structure and function following changes within the body or in the external environment.

The play also examines important end-of-life issues, as David's friends and family consider whether or not to "pull the plug."

Plasticity is written by Alex Lyras and Robert McCaskill; directed by Robert McCaskill; and stars Alex Lyras. The creative team includes video designer Corwin Evans; editor Peter Chakos; composer and Sound Designer Ken Rich; and set and lighting designer Matt Richter.

Plasticity runs Jan. 28 through March 13 with performances on Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 7 p.m. and Mondays at 8 p.m. In addition, there will be one preview, on Friday, January 27 and one Friday performance on March 10, both at 8 p.m. Tickets to all performances are $30, except the preview which is $20. The Hudson Guild Theatre is located at 6539 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90038. For information and to purchase tickets, (323) 960-7787 or go to www.plasticitytheplay.com.