Pulitzer Prize-Winning Play DISGRACED Comes to Maltz Jupiter Theatre

There are some things that you just shouldn't discuss at a party.

What begins as innocent table conversation among four friends explodes when the topic turns to current events, leaving everyone's relationships and beliefs about race and identity in pieces. But will their friendship survive?

Onstage February 12 - 26 at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre, the Pulitzer Prize-winning play Disgraced examines the stories we share with our friends, the secrets we tell our lovers, and the lies we tell ourselves. Described as a "combustible powder keg of identity politics," this provocative and thought-provoking new Broadway hit will leave audiences questioning their biases.

"Disgraced is a riveting, intelligent and turbulent evening of theatre," said Andrew Kato, the Theatre's producing artistic director and chief executive. "We are so honored to produce this thought-provoking and inspiring new play on the Maltz Jupiter Theatre's stage."

The first stage play by novelist and screenwriter Ayad Akhtar, audiences raved when the play opened on Broadway in 2014, earning a Tony® nomination and becoming one of the most-produced plays across the nation in 2016. The New York Times dubbed the play "terrific and turbulent," the Huffington Post called it "a dramatic triumph" and NBC TV raved that the play is "one of the season's most engaging nights of theater."

Directed by multiple Carbonell Award-winning South Florida director J. Barry Lewis (whose recent work at the Theatre includesFrost/Nixon, Glengarry Glen Ross, Dial M for Murder and Doubt: A Parable), the play will feature a cast of five acclaimed actors, including Fajer Kaisi as Amir (whose extensive work regionally includes The Invisible Hand at Westport Country Playhouse, Paloma at Kitchen Theatre Company, Informed Consent at Geva Theatre Center/Cleveland Play House and Romeo and Juliet and Troilus and Cressida, both at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival) and Vanessa Morosco as Emily (seen recently in the Theatre's production of Frost/Nixon, in addition to the off-Broadway productions of Around the World in 80 Days and The Rover, as well as numerous regional credits).

The cast also features Joel Reuben Ganz as Isaac (who appeared on Broadway in the Tony Award®-winning production of War Horse, in addition to New York productions of Macbeth at Lincoln Center Theater Educational, The Clown Play at the New York Fringe Festival and many regional credits), Chantal Jean-Pierre as Jory (whose work regionally includes Antony & Cleopatra at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, Lost Boy Found in Whole Foods at Portland Stage Company and Intimate Apparel at Dorset Theatre Festival) and South Florida's Eddie Morales as Abe (whose regional credits include Aida, Curtains, Gypsy and Sweet Charity).

"Disgraced focuses on the various ways each of us secretly continue to hold on to our tribal identities - our identities from birth, of our education - in spite of our various and ongoing attempts to enlighten our lives," Lewis said. "We are products of the world we create, often finding safety in those tribal identities. The play has been called 'an evening of cocktails and confessions,' and it is certain to spark dialogue about our own contradictions."

The production will showcase the artistry of designers known for their recent work at the Theatre: scenic designer Anne Mundell (Frost/Nixon, Glengarry Glen Ross, Other Desert Cities), lighting designer Paul Black (The Producers, Frost/Nixon, The Will Rogers Follies: A Life in Revue, LES MISERABLES and The Wiz, among others), costume designer Leslye Menshouse (Through the Looking Glass), fight director Lee Soroko (Kiss Me, Kate, LES MISERABLES, Dial M for Murder and Sleuth) and Marty Mets (resident Sound Designer).

Interested in learning more about the show? The Theatre invites you to continue the conversation after each performance of Disgraced. Join us in our audience seating chamber for a unique talk back, featuring the opportunity to share your thoughts about the play and hear from prominent community leaders about its controversial subjects and themes.

Disgraced is sponsored by Jodie and Dan Hunt and The Roy A. Hunt Foundation and Priscilla Heublein; tickets start at $56. For tickets and showtimes, call (561) 575-2223 or visit www.jupitertheatre.org. For more information on bringing your group to the Theatre, contact group concierge Shannon Murphy at (561) 972-6117.

About the Maltz Jupiter Theatre
The not-for-profit Maltz Jupiter Theatre has become one of Florida's preeminent professional theatres, committed to production and education through its collaborations with local and national artists. Currently the state's largest award-winning regional theatre, the Theatre draws 100,000 people annually, serves a subscription base of more than 7,758 and has world-class classroom facilities in support of its Goldner Conservatory of Performing Arts, which serves hundreds of youth and adults. The Theatre is a member of the prestigious League of Resident Theatres and has earned numerous Carbonell Awards, South Florida's highest honor for artistic excellence, including the prestigious Bill Von Maurer Award for Theatrical Excellence. For more information about the Theatre's upcoming shows and Conservatory, visit www.jupitertheatre.org or call the box office at (561) 575-2223.

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