Barksdale Theatre Presents SCORCHED EARTH, 4/13-5/20

Barksdale Theatre announces the World Premiere of Scorched Earth by best-selling Richmond author, David L. Robbins, and featuring Richmond actors. This theatrical adaptation is based on Robbin's acclaimed 2002 novel of the same name. The play opens at Barksdale Theatre Willow Lawn, 1601 Willow Lawn Drive, on Friday, April 13 and runs through Sunday, May 20, 2012. Scorched Earth director, Steve Perigard, has over fifty directing credits with Barksdale and Theatre IV including Circle Mirror Transformation, A Thousand Clowns, and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Lead actor, Adrian Reider, returns to Barksdale after time in New York with Off-Broadway credits including If Memory Serves, Deathtrap, Paper Doll and television credits of Law and Order, Sex and the City, Guiding Light, As the World Turns, and All My Children. Returning to the Barksdale stage are cast members: David Janeski (Blue Ridge Mountain Christmas at Barksdale Hanover Tavern, Rumpelstiltskin's Daughter at Theatre IV), Ronnie Brown (Top Dog/Underdog at Sycamore Rouge, The Last Days of Judas Iscariot at Henley Street Theatre), and David Bridgewater (August: Osage County at Cadence Theatre, Becky's New Car at Barksdale). The production welcomes McLean Jesse to Richmond in her first appearance at Barksdale Theatre. Set design by Ron Keller, resident scenic designer at Theatre VCU, accommodates thirty-three scenes from courtroom to graveside.

A courtroom drama, Scorched Earth, examines what happens when a community must face up to its racial heritage after a tragic event shakes it to its core. Part mystery, part legal thriller, it is a story of crime and punishment set in a small Virginia mill town during one brutal, hot and unforgiving summer that lays bare the potential of the human heart to hate-and ultimately to heal. Scorched Earth will be most enjoyed by audiences fourteen and up, due to its intense "law and order" plotline and mild sexual content. The Virginia setting and references to Richmond will resonate with local audiences. In celebration of the World Premiere, David Robbins will participate in several special events and forums to discuss the writing process and probe many of the tough questions presented in the play.

On April 6, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at the Main Public Library Friends of Richmond Public Library hosts David Robbins for the Richmond Writers Forum. Free and open to public. For more information call 646-7223.

On April 21, 2012 from 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. there will be a Matinee and Behind the Scenes Workshop for area high school students at Barksdale Theatre Willow Lawn. No charge. Registration is required. For more information call 513-8211.

On May 8, 2012 at 9:15 a.m. there will be Coffee & Conversations Behind the Scenes of Scorched Earth with David Robbins at Barksdale Theatre Willow Lawn. Free and open to the public. Call 282-2620. Doors open at 9:00 a.m. Program begins at 9:30 a.m.

For tickets call the BOX OFFICE at 804-282-2620 or GROUP SALES at 804-783-1688 1142. For more information visit www.barksdalerichmond.org. Tickets are Full Price: $38 | Seniors (60+): $35 | Students (18 and under): $19. Performances are April 13, 2012 – May 20, 2012. There are Matinee performances on select Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays and every Sunday. 8:00 p.m. performances on select Wednesdays, all Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

Direction/ Design: Directed by Steve Perigard Set Design by Ron Keller+ Lighting Design by Lynne M. Hartman+ Costume Design by Marcia Miller Hailey Sound Design by Derek Dumais Stage Management by Rick Brandt* +Member of USA, United Scenic Artists', local 829 *Member of Actors' Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the U.S.A.

Cast: Nat Deeds - Adrian Rieder* Tom Derby - David Janeski Elijah Waddell - Ronnie Brown Clare Waddell - McLEAN JESSE Maeve Deeds - JEN MEHARG Mrs. Epps - JODY SMITH STRICKLER* Ed Fentress - Eric Williams George Talley - DAVID BRIDGEWATER* Judge Hawk - JEANIE RULE Deputy Bennett - JEREMY HOWARD Jackie - Margarette Joyner Mr. Snead - SCOTT MELTON Dottie Orange - JILL BARI STEINBERG Dr. James - ANDREW C. BOOTHBY Mr. Sipe - Lucas Hall Mr. Steele - STEVE ORGAN *Member of Actors' Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the U.S.A.

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