Ruskin Theatre Announces BURN THIS to Run Through March 22

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) is also the Ruskin's managing director. Mike has produced more than 50 projects since 2002. He 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 ($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.

Description: Lust and loneliness meet love in this uncharacteristic coupling of characters. BURN THIS opens just after the death and funeral of Robbie, Anna and Larry's roommate. Soon joining them is Burton (Anna's longtime lover) and Pale (Robbie's coke-snorting, hyperactive, restaurant manager brother). In the scenes to come, the audience learns that Robbie and his partner, both of whom were gay, were killed recently in a boating accident. They discover more about the events of the past few days and the nature of Anna and Burton's relationship. 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 cleverly introduces four self-distancing and comical characters during the action.

 

To post a comment, you must register and login.