Ruskin Group Theatre Presents DIGGING UP DAD 2/12/2010

Sometimes you have to go deeper to find the truth, and come to terms with the unexpected results. Cris D'Annunzio, emotionally and physically outgunned in childhood, investigates his past with LOL revelations, and suspenseful twists in places that should be safe. The mysterious circumstances surrounding his father's death seem to indicate Mob involvement...and whether digging up Hoffa or Nuzzo, the journey is full of surprises.

CRIS D'ANNUNZIO was raised in a traditional East Coast nuclear family - in the sense that his grandparents, both Italian immigrants, lived in the house and there were always bombs going off! He survived to attend Princeton University, where he played football. Cris got his start in acting when he was 'discovered' by the John Houseman Acting Company while moving instruments for the symphony orchestra at Chautauqua Institute in upstate NY - his summer job during college. The experience of riding his bike to the theatre and performing stuck with him. After a brief stint in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills, Cris embarked on an acting and writing career that has taken him from the stage to the screen - both big and small. LA Stage appearances include COBB at the Falcon Theater, award winning COCKRAOCH NATION at LATC, and the World Premiere of Beth Henley's SISTERS OF THE WINTER MADRIGAL. NY credits include MISS JULIE at Manhattan Theatre Club. Selected FILM credits include Ridley Scott's AMERICAN GANGSTER and CHASING 3000 with Ray Liotta, which Cris wrote. Cris has had numerous TV roles which include appearances on WITHOUT A TRACE, SEINFELD, LAW AND ORDER, and SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE.

Mike Myers (Director) helmed the critically acclaimed production of FAITHFUL at the Ruskin last season. Other directing credits include THE COMPLEATE WORKS OF William Shakespeare (Abridged), THAT MAY WELL BE TRUE, MITIGATING FACTORS, PICASSO AT THE LAPIN AGILE, LA CAFÉ PLAYS, SGNARELLE-THE IMAGINARY CUCKOLD and BEYOND THERAPY. He has produced more than 50 projects since 2002 and 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 an impact on the Los Angeles theatre scene with an eclectic mix of thought provoking plays and programs. Their ‘Fostering Imagination' program sponsors foster kids in theatre & film classes that produce several original shows each year. The CAFÉ PLAYS, created by RGT 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. Recently celebrating their 6th anniversary, RGT supporters Ed Asner, Dylan McDermott, Chris Mulkey, Olivia d'Abo, and other industry celebrities joined to produce the Best of Café Plays (both shows sold out within hours). Anthony Hopkins and Anthony Franciosa were some of the Ruskin School of Theatre's first teachers.

JOHN RUSKIN (Artistic Director) helmed the critically acclaimed production of UNBEATABLE HAROLD, and STRANGE SNOW which 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 with) before moving to Los Angeles where he founded his own school of acting and a professional theatre company. The company's mission is to expose the community to the enlightening experience that theater can be while providing outreach programs to people in need with our "Healing Through the Arts" program.

DIGGING UP DAD will open FEBRUARY 12th and run thru March 20, 2010. Performances are on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm at Ruskin Group Theatre, 3000 Airport Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90405. Tickets are $20 ($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 parking.

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