Reston Community Players Presents SUPERIOR DONUTS

Take a visit to a small donut shop that has seen better days in Chicago's historic Uptown neighborhood, one of the city's most diverse, just beginning to emerge from decades of decay and neglect, as Reston Community Players continues its 52nd season with the provocative comedy Superior Donuts. The critically-acclaimed play that explores the challenges of embracing the past and the redemptive power of friendship runs January 18-February 2, 2019 at Reston Community Center.

On the surface, it's a funny play about a rundown donut shop in Chicago and the characters that pass through, but on a deeper level, it speaks about the people in a community that is going through changes, said Seth Ghitelman, who directs the production. It is a play about the American dream and the American experience. I want people to come away from the show with a better understanding of what it means to be a friend and to be an American. We share a common dream that success is available to everyone, and I think it is the right time to remember what we Americans share in common and embrace, not repulse, the diversity of our people.

Superior Donuts tells the story of Arthur Przybyszewski, burnt-out hippie owner of a fading Chicago donut shop, has lost interest in life because of guilt over avoiding military service and a failed marriage. When a charismatic young African-American man named Franco Wicks talks his way into a job, Arthur begins to recover his spark. He encourages Franco's goal of publishing the next Great American novel. When the would-be novelist's past catches up with him, Arthur finds more than his livelihood may be in danger. A comedy drama from the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning author of August: Osage County, Superior Donuts explores the true meaning of community and the need to let go of the past, however painful.

Leading the cast of Superior Donuts are Michael Kharfen as Arthur Przybyszewski and Bryce Monroe as Franco Wicks. They are joined by Tel Monks (Max Tarasov), Mattie Cohan (Officer Randy Osteen), Matthew McCarthy (Officer James Bailey), Sally Cusenza (Lady Boyle), Ian Brown (Luther Flynn), Michael King (Kevin Magee) and Tice Rust (Kiril Ivankin).

In addition to Ghitelman, the Superior Donuts production team includes Jerry and Bea Morse (Producers/Set Decoration), Laura Baughman (Stage Manager), Ashley Primavera (Asst. Stage Manager), Maggie Modig (Set Designer), Karen Schlumpf and Ian Claar (Fight Choreography), Scott Birkhead (Master Carpenter), Adam Konowe (Lighting Designer), Bill Chrapcynski (Sound Designer), Mary Jo Ford and Emily Besuden (Props), Mary Rankin (Costume Designer), Sally Cusenza (Hair/Makeup) Sara Birkhead (Master Electrician) and John Turner (Running Crew Chief).

Superior Donuts will perform January 18-February 2, 2019 at the Reston Community Center's CenterStage in Reston, VA. For tickets, contact the box office at (703) 476-4500 x3 or online at www.restonplayers.org. CenterStage is accessible and offers listening devices for the hearing impaired. The production is rated PG-13 because of language and violence.

Reston Community Players (RCP) is a 501 c3 non-profit organization that has been producing quality theatrical productions since 1966. The Reston Community Players has brought to the public a variety of theatrical experiences over the years and is committed to theatrical excellence and professionalism through the promotion of diverse, creative experiences for the education and cultural enrichment of the community. Partially funded by grants from Fairfax County in cooperation with ArtsFairfax, RCP welcomes all and offers something for everyone. Visit RCP online at www.restonplayers.org.

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