I WILL FOLLOW Premieres At FringeNYC, Explores The Impact Of A U2 Obsession, Runs 8/14-30

Pennyfield Productions is pleased to announce the world premiere of the full-ensemble production of I Will Follow,a semi-autobiographical comedy that examines the pleasures and pitfalls of a young woman's fanatical obsession with the band U2- one of the few constants in an otherwise tumultuous life. The show will debut at FringeNYC at The Actors' Playhouse, August 14 through 30, 2009.

"Like many kids, I grew up really needing something to hold on to-a way to escape and function when surrounded by total dysfunction," said Barri Tsavaris, the playwright, who will take on the lead role in the production.

In the play, Barri's infatuation with U2 guides her through her parents' bitter divorce, her first day at a new job downtown on September 11, and a dramatic separation from her own husband. But her musical obsession comes at the price of friends and family, lovers-even her career.Barri's friends and family question her priorities when they repeatedly catch her praying to her higher power-"Bono-God."

As serious as some of the subject matter gets, Tsavaris approaches her tale in a tongue-in-cheek fashion."I try to never take life or myself too seriously," she says.

"Some kids incessantly follow music, sports, fashion; for me, it was U2," said Tsavaris. "I think that sort of obsession is fueled by a need to retreat, but then it's about finding community and, ultimately, it's about having purpose in your life."

Over the course of a 20-year search for truth, love and religion through the music of U2, I Will Follow explores the challenge of finding yourself when you're already committed to following something else.

About Barri Tsavaris / Pennyfield Productions / The Team Barri Tsavaris is a writer, director, producer and actress with a passion for comedy (A fanatical passion, of course). She is the founder and President of Pennyfield Productions, a New-York-City-based company that produces works for the stage as well as filmed pieces. Tsavaris has studied improvisational comedy at the legendary Upright Citizen's Brigade Theatre and Gotham City Improv. I Will Follow is co-produced by Heather Gladis and directed by Steve Wargo.

TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE: Please visit www.fringenyc.org

For more information, visit www.iwillfollowtheplay.com.

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