The mystery of Christopher Marlowe's stabbing some 400 years ago is explored in Peter Whelan's political thriller opening November 9, 2008, at 6:30 p.m. at the Center Theatre Group/Mark Taper Forum. Directed by Bill Alexander, the American premiere continues through December 17. (Previews began October 30.)
"The School of Night" provides a fascinating twist to the centuries-old mystery of the sudden and tragically early death of
Christopher Marlowe, who was perhaps England's greatest dramatist before the rise of his contemporary,
William Shakespeare. Marlowe's last year of life was filled with intrigue and treachery. Beyond his literary genius, Marlowe became legendary for his reckless vitality, his singular allegiance to freedom of artistic expression and his willingness to stand out from convention as an atheist, a homosexual and a member of a society of free-thinkers – the School of Night. As the play cleverly points out, these traits made him a marked man. Was he really murdered in a barroom brawl on May 30, 1593, or was he involved in a deeper conspiracy on that eventful night?
The cast of "The School of Night" includes (in alphabetical order)
Michael Bakkensen, Ian Bedford, Tymberlee Chanel, Paula Christensen,
Mark H. Dold,
Johnny Giacalone, Michael Kirby,
Adrian LaTourelle, Henri Lubatti,
Jon Monastero,
Rob Nagle, Richard Robichaux,
Alicia Roper,
John Sloan,
Nick Toren and
Gregory Wooddell.
The set design is by
Simon Higlett, costume design is by
Robert Perdziola, lighting design is by
Russell H. Champa, sound design is by
Cricket S. Myers and
Ilona Sekacz is the composer. Casting is by
Erika Sellin and the production stage manager is
David S. Franklin. This production is presented in association with
Mike Merrick and Edward Rissien.
"The School of Night" is the final production of the 2007-08 CTG/
Mark Taper Forum season. The 2009 season begins with "Pippin," a co-production with
Deaf West Theatre, with book by
Roger O. Hirson and music and lyrics by
Stephen Schwartz. Directed and choreographed by
Jeff Calhoun, "Pippin" begins previews on January 15, opens January 25 and continues through March 15, 2009.
Tickets for "The School of Night" are available by calling (213) 628-2772 or online at
www.CenterTheatreGroup.org, or at the
Center Theatre Group box office at the Music Center.
Hot Tix at $20 each can be purchased in advance or, subject to availability, on the day of performance at the box office (cash or credit card only). For groups, call (213) 972-7231. Deaf community: information and charge, TDD (213) 680-4017.
The
Mark Taper Forum is located at the Music Center of Los Angeles County, 135 N. Grand Avenue, in downtown L.A
Gregory Wooddell
Rob Nagle and John Sloan
Gregory Wooddell and Tymberlee Chanel
Photos by Craig Schwartz
