Asolo Rep Presents THE INNOCENTS During 2010 UNPLUGGED Fest

Asolo Rep announces the selection of Steven Drukman's new play The Innocents for a fully staged world premiere in 2011. Chosen from five plays developed during Asolo Rep's 2010 UNPLUGGED new play festival, The Innocents will open in April 2011 as part of the repertory season and in conjunction with the 2011 UNPLUGGED festival of new plays.

"One of the great joys of working in the theatre is the opportunity to develop new work, to be part of giving expression to what is happening in our contemporary world. We rely on our writers to observe, ask questions and help us grasp our moment. Steven Drukman's The Innocents is a smart, sexy and fresh romance with a political charge that is utterly timely in its depiction of behavior, ideas and language. After the extremely positive response of our UNPLUGGED audience to a semi-staged reading, we are thrilled to be presenting the premiere of Steven's provocative and entertaining play in a production by some of the best young talent in the country." - Michael Donald Edwards, Asolo Rep Producing Artistic Director

"UNPLUGGED is about drawing new artists from around the country; it's about bringing playwrights into the fold and helping them to develop their work. It's our way to connect with them and bring them into our community, and to offer our audiences a chance to create a relationship with them and their work at a fascinating stage of the development process. Steven is not only a playwright whose work is ready to come into the consciousness of the population, but he's also a playwright who needed a place to develop this play.

UNPLUGGED provided that incubator. We're eager to continue our involvement with that process and proud to be such an integral part of the production's journey to the stage." - Greg Leaming, UNPLUGGED Curator and Asolo Rep Associate Artistic DirectorThe Innocents by Steven Drukman will run from April 15 - May 14, 2011 in the Cook Theatre. A darkly comic mystery, The Innocents is a brilliant and witty examination of the difference between innocence and naiveté. The family unit constructed by a middle aged gay man and his closest female friend is threatened when two very appealing young men enter the picture. The romantic and sexual dynamic tilts wildly in this fascinating new play that touches on what it means to be an American in the 21 st century.

Steven Drukman's play, The Bullet Round, received its world premiere at the Arena Stage in Portland Oregon, in 2009. His play In This Corner (on the Louis/Schmeling bouts) premiered in January 2008 at The Old Globe in San Diego and won the Critics' Circle Best New Play award. His newest play, The Innocents, was the first-ever commission by New York's Naked Angels. Other produced plays: Another Fine Mess (Portland Center Stage, Pulitzer Prize Nomination for Drama, 2003), Going Native (Long Wharf Theatre), Flattery Will Get You (Connecticut Rep), Collateral Damage (Illusion Theater, Minneapolis), Snowmaiden (Bob Hope Theatre, Dallas).

Also: Truth and Beauty (South Coast Repertory, Pacific Playwrights Festival). Drukman's work has been developed by the Mark Taper Forum, Intiman Theatre, Sundance Theatre Lab, Williamstown Theatre Festival, Playwrights Horizons, South Coast Rep, New York Theatre Workshop, Orchard Project, many others. Awards: Edgerton Award for New Plays, Craig Noel Award, Paul Green Award, Alfred P. Sloan Award, Ovid Foundation, Boston Theatre Works, Heideman finalist, others. As an actor, he has been directed off B-way and regionally by Anne Bogart, Maria Irene Fornes, Richard Foreman, Arnold Wesker, others. Film credit: East Broadway (2006). Other writing: 'The New York Times,' ‘The Village Voice,' 'The International Herald Tribune,' 'The Nation,' and many others. Former theatre critic for 'Artforum' and WNYC-FM (New York public radio).

Former senior editor of 'American Theatre' magazine. His book of edited screenplays by Craig Lucas was published by Alyson Publications. Steven is an Associate Arts Professor at New York University where he teaches playwriting.UNPLUGGED and the subsequent world premiere production of The Innocents represent an expansion of Asolo Rep's established, ongoing mission to champion the development of new work and to support and nurture new artists.

This commitment to new work has developed over the years, with the number of emerging artists represented in each season continuously increasing. The company has produced world premieres of work by new playwrights including Jill Santoriello (A Tale of Two Cities) and award-winning playwright Jason Wells (Men of Tortuga and Perfect Mendacity/2010 TCG Elizabeth Osborn New Play Award). Of the five new works developed during UNPLUGGED 2010, most received awards or will go on to full productions with Asolo Rep or other theatres. Asolo Rep season subscriptions are on sale now; single tickets for the rep season, special full-run productions and Asolo Rep Extras go on sale in September 2010.

Subscribers receive priority advance purchase of tickets to productions that are not part of the regular subscription packages. Ticket prices vary depending on the show, date, time and seat location. Call the box office at 941-351-8000 or 800-361-8388; or buy online at www.asolorep.com. GROUPS SAVE UP TO 20% off regular single ticket prices. In addition to top-quality professional theatre, Asolo Rep offers a range of benefits including on-site catering, free parking, banquet facilities and a flexible payment plan. Contact the Group Sales Manager at 941-351-9010 ext. 6013 or 877-427-6567 or e-mail Group_Sales@asolo.org.

ADJUSTED 2010-2011 Season (in chronological order) Antigone Now by Melissa CooperPreview October 4; Opening Night October 8, 2010, in the Cook Theatre Set in a city still feeling the aftershocks of war, a young woman struggles to stand against the principles of an uncompromising authority, in this modern telling of Sophocles' classic Greek Tragedy. Asolo Rep's New Stages project, launched in 2008, returns and adds a touring component. New Stages showcases the talents of the third year class of the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training in exciting productions specifically chosen to enrich the lives of young and multi-generational audiences. Antigone Now is slated to tour schools and communities in October 2010. Make reservation now by calling 941-351-9010 ext. 3306.

Bonnie & Clyde Book by Ivan Menchell, Music by Frank Wildhorn, Lyrics by Don BlackEverybody had a dream. They had a plan. In the Mertz Theatre Previews November 12-18, 2010

Press opening on November 19 (closes December 19, 2010)

Bonnie and Clyde's riveting adventures are brought to the stage in this vibrant and stylish new musical from the composer of Jekyll and Hyde, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Svengali and Wonderland! This seductive and cinematic new musical examines how a troubled Texas teen and a love-sick waitress became America's most infamous couple, with a thrilling new score that combines rockabilly, blues and gospel music. This is a pre-Broadway engagement.

La Bete (The Beast) by David Hirson

In the Mertz Theatre (adjusted) January 7-February 20, 2011

This sharply funny comedy follows a 17th century acting troupe whose financier/patron forces them to add an actor to their ensemble - the street-performer Valere. Trouble soon follows when the troupe's cultured leader hates the new actor. But Valere soon charms the troupe, and the audience, with his impressive and highly entertaining antics. Find out who wins in this laugh-a-minute, award-winning play. Winner of an Outer Critics Circle Award and Olivier Award.

Twelve Angry Men by Reginald Rose

In the Mertz Theatre (adjusted) January 14-March 26, 2011 Drama Desk Award winning and Tony Award nominated dramaA gripping contemporary classic about a young man on trial for allegedly murdering his father, but one lone juror among the twelve is not convinced the boy is guilty. As he examines all the possibilities of what might have happened the night of the murder, his open-minded outlook works to convince the other jurors there is a possibility of innocence after all. This engrossing courtroom drama will keep you on edge to its final moments.

Boeing Boeing by Mark Camoletti translated by Beverley Cross

In the Mertz Theatre January 21- April 23, 2011A high style, knee-slapping romp through the age of glamorous, jet-setting air travel. The debonair Bernard, an architect living in Paris, is juggling relationships with three vivacious flight attendants -each of whom believes she is his only girl. All goes well until his friend Robert arrives for a visit, and the airlines decide to change their schedules! Chaos and fun take off as Bernard's clever plans unravel. High flying fun! Boeing Boeing recently enjoyed a successful Broadway revival with 279 performances.

Las Meninas (The Waiting Women) by Lynn NottageIn the Mertz Theatre March 18-May 15, 2011A story of an unlikely friendship, and an even unlikelier romance, unfolds in the royal court of 17thcentury France. Queen Marie-Therese longs for the love and attention of her husband, King Louis XIV, but when she receives a mysterious gift - an African man named Nabo - her entire world changes. From the Pulitzer Prize-winning and internationally renowned writer Lynn Nottage.

Deathtrap by Ira LevinIn the Mertz Theatre (adjusted) April 1-May 14, 2011 Sidney Bruhl was once a celebrated playwright famous for his intricate thrillers. Now slightly past his prime, he enlists an ambitious younger writer, Clifford, to help him pen his deadliest tale yet. But as Clifford secretly begins writing his own version of Sidney's life story, and the quirky psychic next door begins to have real premonitions of murder, events quickly spiral out of control - who will survive? This is the most successful and popular whodunit in history!

WORLD PREMIERE

THE INNOCENTS by Steven Drukman (adjusted) In the Cook Theatre from April 15-May 14, 2011 A darkly comic mystery, The Innocents is a brilliant and witty examination of the difference between innocence and naiveté. The family unit constructed by a middle aged gay man and his closest female friend is threatened when two very appealing young men enter the picture. The romantic and sexual dynamic tilts wildly in this fascinating new play that touches on what it means to be an American in the 21 st century.

Hershey Felder as George Gershwin Alone (adjusted)

In the Mertz Theatre from May 19-June 5, 2011 Music and Lyrics by George Gershwin & Ira GershwinText by Hershey Felder; Directed by Joel ZwickIn his world-renowned "play with music," Hershey Felder brings to life the spirit and talent of the legendary American composer and pianist, leading audiences through the fascinating rhythms of Gershwin's legendary songbook, while telling the tale of his tragically short life. George Gershwin Alone incorporates the Gershwins' best-known songs, from The Man I Love and Someone to Watch Over Me to a complete performance of Rhapsody in Blue.

Beethoven as I Knew Him by Hershey Felder (adjusted) In the Mertz Theatre from June 8-2, 2011 Hershey Felder's Beethoven, As I Knew Him is a dramatization of a little known true story about the composer that spans several generations. Hershey Felder combines his acting, piano and musical analytical skills to bring the character of Ludwig van Beethoven to life. Featuring The Moonlight Sonata, The Pathetique Sonata, selections from Beethoven's Fifth and Ninth Symphonies, the show is a journey through time that will bring audiences closer to the genius of the maestro himself.

NEW: Marilyn: Forever Blonde by Greg Thompson(adjusted) In the Mertz Theatre from June 18-July 10, 2011 Shortly before her untimely death Marilyn Monroe posed for what would be her final photo session. Marilyn: Forever Blonde is a recreation of what might have been Marilyn's last chance to tell her own story in her own words. Conceived by award winning producer and writer Greg Thompson, the script has been painstakingly researched from hundreds of quotes from Marilyn herself and the result is two hours in Marilyn's presence. These are the final thoughts of a little girl who became a legend and in turned could never be loved or accepted for herself. The play is funny, sad, witty, titillating, sometimes scandalous and in the end heartbreaking as we watch the desperation of a woman lost in a world of Hollywood make-believe.

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