The Eagle Theatre Immerses Audience, Celebrates Diverse Community with THE SHAPE OF THINGS

From World Premieres to re-conceptualized Broadway caliber revivals, Eagle Theatre has garnered a reputation for World-Class entertainment. However, despite the organizations ability to take on an eclectic body of material, providing a little something for everyone, one element remains constant throughout each and every production; immerse the audience and celebrate our diverse community.

THE SHAPE OF THINGS, Eagle Theatre's latest production, opened Friday, September 15th, to standing ovations and rave reviews. Now, in its 4th week of a 5-week run, the cast and creative team of this razor-sharp dramedy speaks out about what it is like to take the audience inside this shocking piece of live theatre.

Co-Artistic Director Ed Corsi shared "Our goal with THE SHAPE OF THINGS, as with every production, was to immerse our audience into the world of the play. One way is the exciting addition of our Pre-Show Pop-Up Art Exhibit. We have made waves by featuring some of the finest local artists the tri-state has to offer. What better way to begin your night out."

Each week of the run, a new artist or art organization present their work; including Perkins Center for the Arts (10/4 - 10/8) and Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (10/11 - 10/15).

Originally premiering in London, England at the Almedia Theatre in May 2001, the stage hit was quickly abdapted to screen in 2003, staring starring Paul Rudd, and directed by author, Neil LaBute. While the once provocative subject matter may seem a bit more tame by today's standards, the help of smart phones, updated wardrobe, pop-culture references, and a modern day soundtrack, make the play and its controversial themes feel every bit as relevant as the day it premiered.

Making her Eagle Theatre debut is actress Darby Pumphrey, playing the role made famous by Gretchen Mol. Pumphrey states "Unlike movies, live theatre really makes you feel like you're a part of the story. We take this one step further by having a rotating art exhibit each week prior to every show. Not only does the audience get to see amazing art from local artists, but I feel that it puts them into a similar environment as the show lives in. As soon as you enter the Eagle Theatre you are brought into the story. The exhibit is such an important component to the overall experience. This is what Eagle Theatre is known for. It is what they do best."

Eagle Theatre, South Jersey's only year-round Professional Equity Theatre, is dedicated to redefining regional theatre. The theatre produces more than 160 live performances each year, including full-scale Broadway caliber World Premieres and re-conceptualized revivals; New Works Development Series play readings; a traveling Theatre for Youth Audiences program, specializing in providing arts education to schools in under served communities; an Annual Fringe Festival, a 3-day street fair and theatrical marathon, featuring multiple eclectic productions, a beer and wine garden, pop-up art, food, live music, and street performers; and EagleTheatre Conservatory, a year-round tuition based theatrical institute for all ages and levels of professionalism.

This award-winning culturally diverse epicenter boasts state of the art technical equipment, a free double parking lot, Sharrott Winery's on-site Wine Lounge, and is located within walking distance of several boutiques and acclaimed dining destinations in beautifully revitalized Downtown Hammonton, serving patrons from New Jersey, Philadelphia, and beyond.

Eagle Theatre originally opened its doors in 1914 as a silent movie theatre. The theatre was restored in 2009 to serve as a performing arts center. Since the reopening, Eagle Theatre has quickly grown into a nationally recognized non-profit producing organization.

The Eagle Theatre is located at 208 Vine Street, Hammonton, NJ 08037. Performances of THE SHAPE OF THINGS run Wednesday & Thursday | 7:30pm; Friday & Saturday | 8:00pm; and Saturday & Sunday | 3:00pm Matinee. *Talkback Sessions on every Thursdays of the run. *Additional Please Touch Performance on the final Thursday of the run. Run Time: Approximately 1 hour, 35 minutes. Tickets ($20-$40) can be purchased at www.eagletheatre.org or by calling the box office at 609-704-5012.

CAST:

THE SHAPE OF THINGS - COMPANY:
Evelyn - Maggie Griffin Smith*
Adam - Max Redman
Phillip - Khalil McMillan
Jenny - Darby Pumphery

THE SHAPE OF THINGS - UNDERSTUDIES
Evelyn - Macy Jae Davis
Phillip - Tim Rinehart

Adam - Alan Stentiford
Jenny - Meaghen Cutting

DESIGN TEAM:
Director/Co-Artistic Director: Ed Corsi+^
Co-Artistic Director: Ted Wioncek III+
Production Stage Manager: Becca Kestel*
Technical Director: Ernie Jewell
Assistant Stage Manager: Tim Rinehart
Light/Projection Design: Chris Miller
Costume Design: Ashleigh Poteat
Scenic Design: Corsi, Jewell
Sound Design: David Pierron
Scenic Artist: Brooke Galezniak
Video Production: Brian Morris

*Member of Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the U.S.
+Member of The Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, a national theatrical labor union.
^Member of The Casting Society of America

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