Jungle Theater Opens 2017 Season with Pulitzer Prize-Winning Drama

As the cold weather continues in Minnesota, the Jungle Theater warms up with an award-winning drama set in hot, steamy Florida. Anna in the Tropics opens the Jungle's 2017 Season on February 11 and runs through March 12, 2017 at the Lyn-Lake neighborhood theater, 2951 Lyndale Ave. S. in Minneapolis. The tropical heat and the American dream prove a volatile combination in this poetic and poignant play written by Cuban-born Nilo Cruz and directed by Los Angeles-based Larissa Kokernot.

Anna in the Tropics comes alive with love, revenge and passion as a Cuban-American family eagerly awaits the arrival of a lector to read to employees at their cigar factory. When he introduces them to Anna Karenina, the Tampa factory starts to mirror the scandalous Russian aristocracy of Tolstoy's classic. Director Kokernot explains, "There is an exquisite tension in the play as these characters and their factory stand on the precipice of change - Juan Julian, the lecturer, is both a catalyst and the last vestige of this world which honors the art of taking time."

Kokernot has many local connections, best known to Twin Cities audiences for her past work at area theaters - both acting and directing - including the Guthrie, The Children's Theatre and Ten Thousand Things among others. She and playwright Cruz became connected through their years at Brown University, and she has directed his work before, including Two Sisters and a Piano at the former Eye of the Storm Theater in Minneapolis.

"I'm so excited to be part of Sarah Rasmussen's second season at the Jungle," said Kokernot. "Even though it's my first time working at the theater, it feels like a homecoming of sorts. Sarah and I have had a strong bond for years and directing my long-time friend Nilo's work fills me with joy."

Anna in the Tropics features the talents of Adlyn Carreras, Cristina Florencia Castro, Juan Rivera Lebron, Nora Montañez, Rich Remedios, Al Clemente Saks and Dario Tangleson - all of whom are making their debuts on the Jungle stage. Kokernot's creative team includes Sarah Bahr (costumes), Barry Browning (lighting), Andrea Heilman (set) and C. Andrew Mayer (sound).

The Jungle offers post-show Stay Late discussions with an actor after every performance of Anna in the Tropics to give audience members the opportunity to ask questions, talk about the play's themes and hear ideas from people in the know.

Performances of Anna in the Tropics are Tuesdays ($35), Wednesdays ($35), Thursdays ($35), Fridays ($45) and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.($45), and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. ($40). Preview performances on February 8-10 at 7:30 p.m. are $15. Rush tickets are offered every night of the week, based on availability two hours prior to the performance, and there is special Friday night pricing for students, 55408 neighborhood residents and employees, and those under 30 years of age. Tickets and more information are available at (612) 822-7063 or online at www.jungletheater.com.

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