NJ Rep Presents the East Coast Premiere of MUTUAL PHILANTHROPY

New Jersey Repertory Company presents the East Coast premiere of Karen's Rizzo's MUTUAL PHILANTHROPY, a comedy that blows the neighborhood watch whistle on the power plays and prejudices seething secretly beneath the California cool of a community transitioning from working class to billionaire bohemian.

The play runs Thursdays through Sundays, October 19 through November 19, at NJ Rep, 179 Broadway in Long Branch, New Jersey.

Lee, a struggling and gifted artist, and his breadwinning wife, Esther, live in the ethnically diverse East Los Angeles enclave of Mount Washington, where Esther grew up. So do their friends Charles and Michelle, more recent arrivals with big plans and big money for making the neo-hip neighborhood even 'nicer.' Both couples' kids attend the same top public school; they shop at the same Trader Joe's; they share similar views on social issues and a passion for contemporary art. In fact, Lee is near certain that Charles is about to buy one of his large sculptures.

With so much in common, what could go wrong over a cozy home dinner hosted by Charles and Michelle? Pretty much everything, once the one difference they all like to pretend does not matter is pried open wide by manipulation, temptation, resentment, and too much to drink.

Mutual Philanthropy is directed by Evan Bergman. The cast includes Joe Carlson, Laurel Casillo, and Jim MacDonald. Previews begin Thursday, October 19. Opening night with reception is Saturday, October 21. Performances are Thursdays and Fridays at 8pm; Saturdays at 3pm and 8pm; and Sundays at 2pm, through November 19. Tickets are $46 (opening night, $50; premium seating +$5), available at 732-229-3166 or online at njrep.org.