Circus Theatricals Celebrates 25th Anniversary With 'Man.Gov' and 'Harm's Way'

The award winning Circus Theatricals (The Job) celebrates its 25th Anniversary with the New York Premieres of 2 critically acclaimed plays by Shem Bitterman in rotating repertory: MAN.GOV and HARM'S WAY. Both productions are directed by Broadway (Nuts) and television (According to Jim, Hannah Montana, Friends) director Steve Zuckerman. Performances begin October 10 at The 45th Street Theater.

Based on several high profile news stories, MAN.GOV centers around a senior arms inspector -- the quintessential government man -- whose life is turned upside-down when he is suspected of leaking damaging information to a celebrity reporter. Previews begin October 10 with opening night slated for October 17.

HARM'S WAY tells the tale of a career Army prosecutor who investigates a possible war crime against Iraqi civilians by U.S troops - while at the same time fighting to save his troubled daughter here on American soil. Previews begin October 11 with opening night slated for October 18.

The productions will star Jack Stehlin (Weeds), Wendy Makkena (Sister Act, Side Man), Eric Pierpoint (Alien Nation), Josh Allen, Ben Bowen, Robert Cicchini (Six Feet Under), Christopher Curry (Flags of Our Fathers), Sarah Foret (Beautiful People), Thomas Kopache (No Country for Old Men), Jordan Lund (Without a Trace), and Britt Napier. The design team includes Kitty Rose (sets/costumes) and LA Drama Critics Circle nominee Derrick McDaniel (lighting) with original music by award-winning composer Roger Bellon.

Shem Bitterman is the recipient of the LA Drama Critic's Circle Award for Best New Play for The Job which transferred to Off-Broadway and was published by Samuel French and Smith & Kraus. The film version of The Job (starring Joe Pantoliano and Ron Perlman) is in post-production. Other plays include The Circle (LA Weekly Award nominee and 2005 Pen/West Finalist), Ten Below (starring Kevin Conway and Anthony Edwards; winner of the National Play Award), Peephole (Davie Award); Night-Side (at Actor's Theatre of Louisville, starring Pamela Gien); The Ramp (at South Coast Rep, winner of the California Playwright's Competition); Beijing Legends (Mark Taper Forum, winner of the Fund For New American Plays Award); Self Storage; and Iowa Boys (CBS/FDG New Plays Award).

Steve Zuckerman directed Nuts by Tom Topor on Broadway which received both Tony and a Drama Desk Award nominations. As Associate Director of New York's WPA theater he directed productions including Steve Metcalf's The Incredibly Famous Willy Rivers, Shem Bitterman's Ten Below and Israel Horovitz's Unexpected Tenderness and North Shore Fish. He directed a filmed version of North Shore Fish for Showtime which starred Mercedes Ruehl, Peter Riegert and Tony Danza. Revivals of Tennessee Williams Vieux Carre and Ibsen's When We Dead Awaken with Kim Hunter received Drama Desk Awards. He has been Director of Play Development at Circle in the Square Theatre and Artistic Director of the Impossible Ragtime Theatre in New York and the Sharon Playhouse. He has directed at the Manhattan Theater Club, Circle Rep and regional theatres including Baltimore's Center Stage, The La Jolla Playhouse and Yale Rep. He has directed over 350 episodes of prime time TV including such shows as "Everybody Loves Raymond", "The Drew Carey Show", "Friends", and "Murphy Brown" for which he received an Humanitas Award. He is currently directing "According to Jim" and "Hanna Montana."

Jack Stehlin (Artistic Director) founded Circus Theatricals in New York in 1983. The company's notable NYC productions include Shakespeare's Macbeth Off-Broadway at the Classic Stage Company and Danton's Death at the Rapp Arts Center. In 1995, the company moved to Los Angeles where they have presented work at venues including the Odyssey Theatre and The Hudson Guild. In 2006, they inaugurated their own venue Circus Theatricals Theatre where the company continues to present world premiere and classic plays. Circus Theatricals is the recipient of the 2007/2008 Los Angeles County Arts Commission Grant. Circus Theatricals has garnered awards and nominations from the LA Drama Critics Circle, Back Stage West, the LA Weekly, LA Stage Alliance Ovations, and Dramalogue.

MAN.GOV and HARM'S WAY run in rotating repertory from October 10 - November 9 For a complete schedule, visit www.CircusTheatricals.com. The 45th Street Theater is located at 354 W. 45th Street (between 8th and 9th Aves). Tickets are $18, available at 212-352-3101 or www.TheaterMania.com.

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