World Premiere Of Laureen Vonnegut's DEATH BEFORE COCKTAILS Opens at Theatre 68

Theatre 68 and producer Ronnie Marmo announce the World Premiere of "DEATH BEFORE COCKTAILS."A new play by Laureen Vonnegutacclaimed playwright of The Porcini Test, and a familiar name in the industry. She will also be directing the show alongside Alex Rotaru. The modern black comedy is set to open April 20th, 2018 at Theatre 68, in North Hollywood. Tickets: http://buytickets.at/deathbeforecocktails/155994

Part Big Chilland part Night of the Iguana,DEATH BEFORE COCKTAILSis a modern black comedy about love, sex, and the secret concoction at the end of the tunnel.

When your famous twin sister's suicide letter instructs you to put together a makeshift wake in a Palm Springs cocktail lounge, what can you do but grant her final wish? LA writer Lana arrives in Palm Springs to host an evening with competing ex-lovers, surprising new flames, and enough arousing confessions to raise the dead.

Everyone's sexuality is fair game at this wake, where sexual fluidity meets ironclad hetero and labels interfere with love. As the night unfolds, it becomes clear to Lana why her deceased twin has instructed these particular characters to meet for an evening of truths and lies and curious cocktails.

LAUREEN VONNEGUT - Playwright & Director

Laureen Vonnegut is an American playwright, fiction writer and filmmaker.In 2015, THE PORCINI TEST, her first theater production, had a six week run in Los Angeles 2015, with rave reviews.

Her first novel, OASIS, was hailed as "a completely original literary milestone" (Strand) and "possessing a Felliniesque delirium, geopolitical knowingness, and womanly-wise toughness" (American Library Association). Her latest book, TWIN LIES, is read in book clubs from Alaska to Bulgaria. Over twenty of her short stories and movie scripts have been published worldwide, and she was shortlisted for an Ian St. James Award.

Vonnegut wrote and directed several short films, including CUCKOO AND ICE CREAM (winner of the Orange award, Best in Festival). Another, STUFF THAT BEAR!, opened at the Cannes Film Festival, was shown in more than 100 festivals worldwide and won 16 awards. She co-produced the soon to be released feature film THE DOT MAN. Her feature revenge thriller THREE WAY WEEK, is currently in post-production.

Mexico is her home base, a converted cookie factory her abode, although she maintains a residence in Romania and has lived in England, Portugal, Holland, Bulgaria and Hungary.

She is currently working on a new theater play, a series of short stories called AMSTERDAM BUDDAH, and the production of her film, THIS IS PALM SPRINGS.

ALEX ROTARU - Director

Born in Bucharest to an actress mother and a playwright father, Alex Rotaru grew up in the theatre and won national awards as a teenage actor. Inspired by studying film at the Sorbonne, after earning a top-honors Physics degree from MIT he switched gears and earned an MFA in Film from USC's School of Cinematic Arts. He has directed several award-winning documentaries, including NY Times Critic's Pick THEY CAME TO PLAY, and SHOWTIME's SHAKESPEARE HIGH, produced by Dana Brunetti and Dean Devlin. As a US Department of State cultural ambassador, Alex has traveled the world far and wide in numerous cultural exchange programs designed to educate and entertain globally. Currently in post-production with MONA/LISA (a hybrid documentary based on pianist Mona Golabek's life as told by the NY Drama Desk-nominated play, THE PIANIST OF WILLESDEN LANE); MISSING TIME (a hermetic mystery sci-fi thriller); and SWAN SONG FOR ELVIS (a biodoc - with a twist - of twice Oscar-nominated singer-songwriter, Carol Connors), Alex won a Christopher Award for PBS POV's THE HOBART SHAKESPEAREANS. He lives in Beverly Hills with his son Max.

ARIEL HART - "LANA"

Ariel is overjoyed to be back on stage at Theater 68. Ariel Studied for a B. F.A. in performance at Naropa University. Ariel, also completed the Meisner Technique training program at the Meisner School of Acting in San Fransico, CA. Ariel is no stranger to the stage, she has been pursuing theater work since she was 8 years old. Some of her favorite past roles include; Girl in Mother Hicks, Miranda in The Tempest, Jo in Independence, and Lucy in Dracula. After graduating high school, Ariel, got her first taste of on-camera work. She fell in love with filmmaking and began her career in commercials, television, and film.

DAMIEN DIAZ - "MARIO"

Damien Diaz started acting at the age of 8 performing in school plays, children's theatre, Community theatre and television commercials. At fourteen, Damien fell in love with classical ballet and pursued a career in classical dance. After studying ballet in New York City, North Carolina and Texas, he had an extensive career as a classical ballet dancer in Europe and the United States. After moving back to Los Angeles, his love for acting was reignited and has been acting in film, television, theatre and dance.

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PAUL KEANY- "CLIVE"

Paul began his training with the Atlantic Theater Company in NYC. He was one of the founders of the Sum Of Us, an award-winning theater company that developed projects for off-Broadway, where he was fortunate enough to work with playwrights such as Stephen Belber, Denis Johnson and Bixby Elliot, among others. Paul has also trained with HB Studios, the Beverly Hills Playhouse and studied improvisational technique with the Upright Citizens Brigade in Los Angeles. To support his theater addiction, he has done voice-overs, appeared in over 30 commercials and taken roles in soap operas and films, including The Devil Wears Prada and too many AFI films to count. This is his second show with Laureen Vonnegut.

ROSE HUNTER - "RUTH"

Rose Hunter is making her theatrical debut in Los Angeles, after completing her training at the Chicago College of Performing Arts. Favorite credits include "Angels in America", "The Secret Garden", and "Jane Eyre".

TOM KEARNEY - "WILL"

Tom Kearney - Began acting professionally at the age of 12. Working with acting coach Scott Beach, he studied at ACT, California Shakespeare Theater and Gean Shelton's Actor's Studio while working in TV and Film as well as principal in over 40 National Commercials. He has also worked as Corporate Spokesman for Oracle, Farmers Insurance, Levis and Music Choice. Tom has written and directed 5 short films with his newest film "Do It Yourself" due out in 2018. Tom Kearney is Founder of the Hermosa Beach Film Festival, Hermosa Shorts.

RONNIE MARMO - Producer

Ronnie Marmo has starred in more than 50 feature films and television shows, including Back In The Day (on Netflix now), Deuces Wild, Crocodile Dundee in LA, West Of Brooklyn, Pizza With Bullets, Truck 20's Location, Death Of A Tree, Irish Eyes (aka Vendetta), and Limbo Lounge. He has guest starred in several hit television shows including JAG, and Young And The Restless. He was also nominated for Best Supporting Actor by the Indie Soap Awards for his role as Crotch in the series, Adults Only. Ronnie enjoyed a three year run on ABC's General Hospital as Ronnie Dimestico.

On stage, Marmo has starred in more than 30 plays. A few of his favorites include his portrayal of Lenny Bruce in the one-man production of Lenny Bruce is Back, Bill Wilson in Bill W. and Dr. Bob. Silva in Baby Doll, Earl in the Los Angeles Premiere of The Late Henry Moss, Danny in Danny and The Deep Blue Sea, and Satan in The Last Days of Judas Iscariot.

Ronnie recently completed an audio book in which he portrays Lenny Bruce in Lenny's autobiography, How to Talk Dirty and Influence People. The audio book is on sale now through Hachette publishing. (Available for purchase at the show).

Marmo is currently starring in the Critics Choice, long-running play "I Am Not A Comedian...I'm Lenny Bruce"at Theatre 68. The show is in their 11thmonth running, and will be heading to New York in the fall.

Marmo has directed over 50 stage productions and produced about 100 in Los Angeles and New York. Ronnie was the Artistic Director and Producer of the critically acclaimed first ever 13 by Shanley Festival; which enjoyed a six- month run. He received the Robert Pastorelli Rising Star Award for achievements as an actor, writer, director and producer at the 2010 Garden State Film Festival.

He continues to serve at the Artistic Director of Theatre 68 (68 Cent Crew Theatre Company) in Los Angeles and New York City.

ARGENT LLOYD - Scenic Design

Scenic Designer Argent Lloyd has been a theater technician and worked on sets and backstage for over 15 years. Along with his set building and skills he has also designed lights and sound for many productions such as "Phenomenal Woman", "The Porchini Test" and "Dennis Wilson Forever". In the Past five years residing in LA he has assisted the production of everything from children's musical theater and community outreach programs to massive music and arts festivals. He currently works in major film and tv studios as a scenic painter but continues to share a passion for live performance. He is a true Jack of all Trades, and Master of Fun.

JENNIFER NWENE - Lighting Design and Stage Manager

Jennifer Nwene born and raised in Arlington, Texas fell in love with acting after viewing a performance of Hairspray. This love followed her from age 10 until she moved to Los Angeles to pursue her BFA at AMDA College & Conservatory of the Performing Arts. When she's not performing or designing, Jennifer is directing/co-producing films with her team 92 Artist Productions, as well as, co-producing Clusterfu, an art show dedicated to both performing and visual artists.

JOHN SCHNACKENBERG - Musical Producer

?John Schnackenberg (saxophones) has been playing saxophone for 45 years and has been part of Santa Barbara's music for much of that time as well as stints in New York and Chicago. He has been a member and collaborator in Spencer the Gardener and many

other jazz, rock and blues projects.

?Rob Taylor - Musical Producer

Rob Taylor (guitar) is a Santa Barbara guitar icon who has played in many projects over his professional career and has 7 self-produced albums under his belt including his most recent release by his band 'Cat OK' called "RockMusicSongs".

HEATHER HARWOOD - Graphic Designer

Heather is a graphic designer and communicator with 20+ years of experience working with agencies and design firms in the U.S. and Canada. She specializes in corporate identity, creative brand development, and product promotion, including print and online campaigns.

KUKER & LEE PR- Publicist (Sandra Kuker and Anita Lee)

Publicists Sandra Kuker & Anita Lee work as the team, Kuker & Lee PR, providing publicity and marketing service & consultation for theatre, authors & talent. Sandra Kuker's three-decade career in Los Angeles theatre publicity and marketing is rich with a client list of diversity and many successful campaigns. Anita Lee has over a decade of experience in LA 99-seat theatre with many acclaimed productions both as producer & publicist. Together they bring their personal commitment to each client. Kuker & Lee clients include Sacred Fools, Theatre West, Café Arts, Theatre Asylum, Theatre 68, Projects have included My Child - Mother's of War, Voice Lessons with Laurie Metcalf, French Stewart & Maile Flanagan, Almost, Maine directed by Marty Papazian, I Am Not A Comedian...I'm Lenny Brucestarring Ronnie Marmo and Directed by Joe Mantegna, A Time To Kill byJohn Grisham, Time Stands Still, Theatre West's The Night Forlorn (or, Waitin' On Godsford),and Bill Ratner, author of Parenting For The Digital Age.

DEATH BEFORE COCKTAILSwill have their world premiere launch at Theatre 68, opening April 20th- May 13TH, 2018. Located at 5112 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, CA. 91601.

Performances are Friday & Saturday 8:00PM and Sunday 7:00PM.

General Admission $30.00

Tickets & info at: http://buytickets.at/deathbeforecocktails/155994

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