RGT Announces Pay What You Can Sundays For BURN THIS

Lust and loneliness meet love in this uncharacteristic coupling of characters. Lanford Wilson's 38th play first opened in Los Angeles in January 1987 and put John Malkovich on the ‘international' road to stardom shortly afterwards. Garnering multiple awards in several categories, and written with a ‘pas de quatre' style in mind, this contemporary and romantic story begins shortly after a funeral brings four self-distancing and comical characters together.

As their first production in 2009 season, BURN THIS follows the recently successful run of FAITHFUL which received rave reviews and 4 ‘best picks' by local critics. A world premiere of the John Powers play @HEART, recommended by five local critics (including the Los Angeles Times critic), was the season opener in 2008 for this company, extended its run with sold out performances.

John Ruskin (Director) helmed the critically acclaimed production of Strange Snow during the company's 5th season. The popular show extended its run to accommodate demand from local audiences. John's years of experience include his studies at the Yale School of Drama, British American Drama Academy in Oxford, England, and the University of Colorado in Boulder. In New York, Ruskin joined the acting faculty of the Neighborhood Playhouse at the request of Sanford Meisner (who he apprenticed) before moving to Los Angeles where he founded his own school of acting and a professional theatre company. Last season John directed the admired comedy revival of UNBEATABLE HAROLD.

Mike Myers (Producer) has produced more than 50 projects since 2002. He recently directed FAITHFUL at RGT. Mike is a co-creator of the Ruskin's critically acclaimed CAFÉ PLAYS, a monthly offering of one-acts that are done in 10 ½ hours from conception to staging.

Ruskin Group Theatre has been making quite an impact on the Los Angeles theatrical scene with an eclectic mix of thought provoking plays and programs. Their ‘Fostering Imagination' program sponsors foster kids in theatre & film classes that culminate in several original productions each year. The CAFÉ PLAYS, created by Ruskin Group Theatre are produced monthly and are the culmination of writers, actors, and directors who meet at 9am, where they are given a theme. They then write, produce, and perform a show by 7pm the same day. Celebrating their 5th anniversary last month Ed Asner, Dylan McDermott, Chris Malkey, Olivia d'Abo, and other industry celebrities joined to produce the Best of Café Plays which sold out within hours of being announced. Anthony Hopkins and Anthony Franciosa were some of the Ruskin School of Theatre's first teachers.

BURN THIS runs Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm through March 22, 2009. Ruskin Group Theatre is located at 3000 Airport Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90405. Tickets are $20 with a PAY WHAT YOU CAN policy on Sundays ($15 for students, seniors, and guild members) and can be purchased in advance by calling (310) 397-3244. For more information please visit www.ruskingrouptheatre.com. Free secured parking.

Dominic Comperatore (Pale) appeared on Broadway in A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE and has numerous local and regional stage credits. At Ensemble Studio Theatre he appeared as Steve in JOHN AND MARY and played 4 different roles in the production of INTERNAL TRANSMISSIONS. At A Noise Within Dominic played Octavius in JULIUS CEASAR, at The Ahmanson Theatre he played Tybalt in ROMEO and JULIET, and with Antaeus Company he appeared as Laval in COLLABORATORS. Dominic's film work includes appearances opposite George Clooney in THE GOOD GERMAN, the lead role in EVERYTHING FOR A REASON (Best Actor, Houston Intl FF), ROOM 32 (Best Actor Nom, Method Fest), and HEADS AND TAILS (Audience Award, Palm Springs Intl FF). Dominic has recently co-starred on BOSTON LEGAL, ENTOURAGE, CSI: MIAMI, ER, and has had a recurring role on ALIAS.

Marisa Petroro (Anna) already has a notable television and film career with credits such as Comedy Central's RENO 911!: MIAMI, ROADSIDE ATTRACTIONS, and EVERYBODY WANTS TO BE ITALIAN. On the small screen, she has played opposite Eva Longoria Parker in ABC's DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES and alongside David Spade in CBS's RULES OF ENGAGEMENT. Marisa recently appeared on NBC's SCRUBS and LAS VEGAS, ABC's ACCORDING TO JIM, and has returned to NBC's hit game show, DEAL OR NO DEAL, as briefcase model #18. Films include MGM's PUMPKIN and Columbia Pictures' TOMCATS. She starred opposite Rick Schroder in the award‐winning country music video, Whiskey Lullaby sung by Allison Krause and Brad Paisley. Marisa, a 17-year survivor of Rhabdomyosarcoma, is additionally known as the proud 2009 spokesperson for The Sarcoma Foundation of America. She was named "Woman of the Year" by The Center for Italian and Italian-American Culture.

Aaron Misakian (Larry) starred in the pilot BOULEVARD and had a featured recurring role in the TV series 8 SIMPLE RULES. His stage credits include the role of Louis in ANGELS IN AMERICA at the Stella Adler Theatre in New York, Butch in LEADING LADIES at the Actors' CO-OP, and Kynaston in COMPLEAT FEMALE STAGE BEAUTY. Aaron has performed at the Mark Taper Forum, South Coast Repertory Theatre, and the Old Globe.

Ruskin Group Theatre
3000 Airport Road
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(Free secured parking)

Tickets (310) 397-3244
Opened Friday, February 13, 2009
Running: Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm
Sundays at 2 pm
Closing performance: Sunday, March 22, 2009

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