Lincoln Center Theater to Host the American Premiere of THE ROLLING STONE

Lincoln Center Theater will produce the American premiere of THE ROLLING STONE, a new play by Chris Urch, directed by Saheem Ali, beginning previews Thursday, June 20 at the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater (150 West 65 Street). THE ROLLING STONE's cast of six will feature Ato Blankson-Wood, Latoya Edwards, Robert Gilbert, Myra Lucretia Taylor, Adenike Thomas, and James Udom. Opening night is Monday, July 15.

Set in Uganda, a country subjected to severe anti-homosexuality laws, THE ROLLING STONE, is an intimate yet explosive family drama about two brothers at odds - one a gay man in a clandestine relationship, and the other a church pastor who fervently rails against the lifestyle his brother is forced to conceal.

THE ROLLING STONE premiered at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester, England, where it won the Manchester Theatre Award for Best New Play, before being presented in London at the Orange Tree Theatre, where it was awarded London's Off-West End Award for Best New Play. The Evening Standard described THE ROLLING STONE as "a scorching portrayal of love and persecution," with The Guardian adding "Urch's compelling play could hardly be more timely," and The Independent concurring saying that "the play packs a devastating, emotional punch."

The production will feature sets by Arnulfo Maldonado, costumes by Dede Ayite, lighting by Japhy Weideman, and original music and sound by Justin Ellington.

Playwright CHRIS URCH trained as an actor at the Drama Centre London. His debut play Land of Our Fathers premiered at Theatre 503 before transferring to the West End. THE ROLLING STONE is his second play. For television he is developing an original series for LeftBank Pictures. For film he wrote, Lee, a biopic of Alexander McQueen which landed on the prestigious Black List.

Director Saheem Ali is a proud immigrant from Kenya. Recent productions include Fireflies (Atlantic Theater Company);Dangerous House, Where Storms Are Born (Williamstown Theatre Festival); Sugar in Our Wounds (MTC); Tartuffe (Playmakers Rep); Twelfth Night (The Public); Kill Move Paradise (National Black Theatre); Nollywood Dreams (Cherry Lane); The Booty Call(Inner Voices); and Dot (Detroit Public Theatre). He has workshopped new plays at Playwrights Horizons, Playwrights Realm, MCC, New York Stage & Film, Page 73 and The Lark. He is a Usual Suspect and former Directing Fellow at New York Theatre Workshop, Sir John Gielgud SDCF Fellow and a Shubert Fellow.

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