Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carre's DINNER WITH FRIENDS Opens Today

When couples break up, the only thing people can agree on is that there are three sides to every story, so says Rene' J.F. Piazza, director of Dinner With Friends, Donald Margulies' Pulitzer Prize-winning play opening at Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carre today, March 20. The production is about two married couples whose comfortable routines are shaken to the core by divorce.

The foursome socialized together for years and the friendships that had been so seemingly solid begin cracking as soon "divorce" is uttered raises a myriad of questions. What ensues is drama at its best with dashes of comedy along the way.

The cast features Chelle Duke (Karen), Leon Contavesprie (Gabe), Liz Launey (Beth), and Eddie Simon (Tom). Set design by Jonathan Perry-Marx, Lighting design by Josh Courtney, Sound Design by Theo Fogleman and costumes by Kathleen Van Horn.

Piazza intends to draw upon his diverse theatrical experience as an actor, director, playwright and set designer to take advantage of Le Petit's historic environs. Piazza has been involved in over 300 plays and has even directed Friends twice before. Without giving away too much, Piazza says he intends to enhance the scenery and lighting elements from his previous work on the show to further dramatize the script.

Piazza acknowledges that dealing with the subject of breaking up is never easy. "When people split it affects everyone they know. "Dinner With Friends is a perfect look into the future for the young and not-so-young thinking of jumping into marriage. It takes work. This play causes audiences to appreciate the effort."

Piazza insists it will get theatre-goers thinking about their own relationships and those of their friends. "Do we really know them or are we fooling ourselves to think we were all living the 'perfect life'? How much do we put up with before we say 'enough is enough'? Do we make it work or do we bolt for the door? "

Ticket prices range from $30-$50 with a special discount performance on Wed., March 25 at 7:30 p.m. All tickets may be purchased online at www.lepetittheatre.com , at the box office or by calling 504-522-2081.

Le Petit is proud to partner with Covenant House of New Orleans for this production. Representatives will be in the theatre's lobby with information and signing up participants for its upcoming 10K fundraising race. For over 25 years, Covenant House New Orleans has provided a safe haven for homeless, runaway and at-risk youth ages 16-22. Located on the edge of the French Quarter, they shelter and care for neglected, abused, and exploited kids from the New Orleans area and from across the United States. Covenant House is governed by a local, volunteer Board of Directors and staffed with experienced, dedicated professionals and volunteers. They have touched the lives of over 20,000 youth, providing them with food, shelter, clothing, medical attention, individual and family counseling, educational assistance, vocational and job training, life skills and so much more.

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