Ruskin Group Theatre to Premiere THE RAINBOW BRIDGE This Summer

Directed by Michael Myers at Ruskin Group Theatre in Santa Monica, California, the world premiere of Ron Nelson's The Rainbow Bridge opens July 21st. Lynne Marie Stewart stars alongside an award winning cast which includes Mary Carrig, Emily Jerez, Jaimi Paige, Paul Schackman, L. Emille Thomas, and Mouchette Van Helsdingen.

At the intersection of satire and reality, Jerry struggles to keep moving forward in his life while haunted by the ghosts of his family's past. This fearless new comedy mercilessly seeks out and pushes any of those psychological hot buttons that aren't hidden. Be brave, and you just may enjoy a good cry while you're laughing.

During their second decade of bringing Los Angeles audiences outstanding entertainment, Ruskin Group Theatre continues to celebrate the essence of arts and humanity, within the microcosm of theatre. Supporting new writers and the development of new plays is an important part of the Ruskin season.

In this new work the playwright explains, "I've always been a big fan of processing tragedy through comedy so after having to deal with some just awful stuff a few years ago I was inspired to write something humorous, based on working through it all. Laughter sets the spirit free, it's sort of like a vitamin for the soul" - Ron Nelson, Playwright

Ron Nelson has written for several television shows and movies including Real Monsters, Roseanne, Sparks, Good News, Dilbert and A Perfect Christmas. He is a frequent contributor to the Cafe Play series at the Ruskin Theatre, an active member of the California State Bar, and he accepts collect calls from prison.

Director Michael Myers has helmed numerous productions at Ruskin Group Theatre, most recently having developed, directed, and produced the world premiere of Sneaky Ole Time, the music of Grammy Award winner Paul Overstreet. Selected directing credits at Ruskin include the world premiere of Digging up Dad and the critically acclaimed production of Faithful. Michael produced the world premiere production of Rex Pickett's Sideways The Play and Paradise: A Divine Blue Grass Musical Comedy and upwards of 70 projects since 2002. He is a co-creator of the company's popular CAFÉ PLAYS, a monthly offering of one-acts that get produced in 10 1/2 hours from conception to staging. Michael serves as chair of the Santa Monica Arts Commission.

Ruskin Group Theatre launched the World Premiere of Rex Pickett's Sideways The Play, picked up by La Jolla Playhouse and now slated for Broadway, as well as the project Paradise, A Bluegrass Musical Comedy. Ruskin's Healing Through The Arts program brings their actors into Mattel Children's Hospital UCLA, where they are working with the Chase Child Life Program, to work with and entertain the patients. The CAFÉ PLAYS, created by RGT, are produced and now celebrating their 12th anniversary. RGT supporters Dylan McDermott, Ed Asner, Chris Mulkey, Olivia d'Abo, and other industry celebrities joined to produce the Best of Café Plays (both shows sold out within hours) for their 10th season. Anthony Hopkins, David Mamet, Tony Franciosa, and Ed O'Neill are just some of the noted guests to have taught Master classes at the Ruskin.

The production team includes John Ruskin (Executive Producwer), Mike Reilly (Production Manager), Hillary Bauman (Scenic Design), Mike Reilly (Lighting Designer), Chip Bolcik (Sound Design), Sarah Figoten Wilson (Costume Design), Nicole Millar (Stage Manager), and Emily Anna Bell (Co-Producer and ASM).

The Rainbow Bridge opens at 8pm on Friday, July 21st and continues at 8pm Fridays - Saturday, and 2pm on Sundays, through September 17, 2017. Ruskin Group Theatre is located at 3000 Airport Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90405. Tickets are $25 ($20 for students, seniors, and guild members) and can be purchased in advance by calling (310) 397-3244 or online at www.ruskingrouptheatre.com. Ample free parking available on site.

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