PTP/NYC Presents 24th Repertory Season Through 8/1

PTP/NYC, formerly known as The Potomac Theatre Project, in association with Middlebury College, proudly presents its 24th repertory season, its 4th consecutive in New York, running from through August 1, 2010 in a limited engagement at The Atlantic Stage 2, located at 330 West 16th Street between 8th & 9th Avenues in NYC. This season's line-up includes the World Premiere of Howard Barker's GARY THE THIEF and the NY Premiere of Howard Barker's PLEVNA: MEDITATIONS ON HATRED, both directed by PTP's Co-Artistic Director Richard Romagnoli (American Associate of The Wrestling School), the NY Premiere of Snoo Wilson's LOVESONG OF THE ELECTRIC BEAR, directed by PTP's Co-Artistic Director Cheryl Faraone, and a revival of David Rabe's A QUESTION OF MERCY, based on the Journal by Richard Selzer, directed by PTP's Co-Artistic Director Jim Petosa.

Previews began on July 6 and openings began on July 11. Tickets are $25 and $15 for students/seniors and can be purchased at http://www.TicketCentral.com or at 212-279-4200. The rep season will also include PTP/NYC's ‘After Dark 2010: the playground for young artists', off-hours theatre in multiple shapes and sizes. For more information visit http://www.PotomacTheatreProject.org.

GARY THE THIEF and PLEVNA: MEDITATIONS ON HATRED opened July 12 opening and runs through July 31. Performances take place on Wed 7/7 at 7:30pm, Sat 7/10 at 4pm, Mon 7/12 at 7:30pm, Thu 7/15 at 7:30pm, Fri 7/16 at 7pm, Sat 7/17 at 7:30pm, Thu 7/22 at 7:30pm, Fri 7/23 at 7pm, Sat 7/24 at 3pm, Sun 7/25 at 7:30pm, Wed 7/28 at 7:30pm, Sat 7/31 at 3pm.

LOVESONG OF THE ELECTRIC BEAR begins previews July 8 for a July 13 opening and runs through August 1. Performances take place on Thu 7/8 at 7:30pm, Sat 7/10 at 7:30pm, Sun 7/11 at 3pm, Tue 7/13 at 7:30pm, Sun 7/18 at 7:30pm, Mon 7/19 at 7:30pm, Wed 7/21 at 7:30pm, Sat 7/24 at 7:30pm, Sun 7/25 at 3pm, Mon 7/26 at 7:30pm, Thu 7/29 at 7:30pm, Fri 7/30 at 7:30pm, Sun 8/1 at 7:30pm.

A QUESTION OF MERCY begins previews July 6 for a July 11 opening and runs through August 1. Performances take place on Tue 7/6 at 7:30pm, Fri 7/9 at 7:30pm, Sat 7/10 at 12:30pm, Sun 7/11 at 7:30pm, Wed 7/14 at 7:30pm, Fri 7/16 at 9pm, Sat 7/17 at 3pm, Sun 7/18 at 3pm, Tue 7/20 at 7:30pm, Fri 7/23 at 9pm, Tue 7/27 at 7:30pm, Sat 7/31 at 7:30pm, Sun 8/1 at 3pm.

Howard Barker's two poems for the stage examine human polarization, cruelty and self-determination. GARY THE THIEF, starring Robert Emmet Lunney (Broadway's The Graduate, The Europeans with PTP/NYC), presents a character in self-exploration whose definition of himself is in direct opposition to the ‘crowd'. PLEVNA: MEDITATIONS ON HATRED, starring Alex Draper (Terrorism with New Group, Scenes From An Execution and No End of Blame with PTP/NYC), explores the legacy of cultural conflict through the ages. Running time is 70 minutes.

Snoo Wilson's fever-dream-like play, LOVESONG OF THE ELECTRIC BEAR, centers on the life and times of Alan Turing - mathematician, WWII code-breaker and father of computer science. The play takes Turing from his deathbed to his childhood and back again. Turing's teddy bear, Porgy, leads her "Master" through the story, acting as a combination of confidante, guide, tormenter and Greek chorus. Featuring a Disney-inspired soundtrack and a drag number. The cast includes Alex Draper as Alan Turing, Tara Giordano as Porgy, Martina Bonolis, Cassidy Boyd, Alex Cranmer (Graig Nettles in ESPN's The Bronx Is Burning), Claire Graves, Willie McKay, Peter Schmitz, Nina Silver and Lilli Stein. Running time is 2 hours and 20 minutes including intermission.

In A QUESTION OF MERCY, David Rabe explores the controversial and emotional issue of euthanasia. Thomas and Anthony are lovers struggling with Anthony's final, exhausting battle with AIDS. Joined by their friend Susanah and a retired doctor, whose help Thomas has requested, they fashion a heartbreaking friendship as they work through the stages of a plan to relieve Anthony of his illness and his life. The cast includes Alex Cranmer, Paula Langton, Mat Nakitare, Martha Newman and Tim Spears. Jim Petosa's production of A QUESTION OF MERCY with the Boston Center for American Performance received three 2009 Independent Reviewers of New England (IRNE) Award nominations, including Best Production, Best Direction and Best Actress (Paula Langton). Running time is 2 hours and 30 minutes including intermission.

PTP/NYC continues to redefine political theatre for the 21st century with an annual month long repertory season. The company's mandate is the presentation of highly theatrical and thought-provoking work of contemporary social and cultural relevance. In its 23 seasons the voices of PTP's writers have addressed art, pornography, AIDS, homelessness, censorship, totalitarianism, apartheid and gender wars.

PTP's production of Howard Barker's Scenes From An Execution earned Jan Maxwell a 2009 Drama Desk nomination and PTP's 2007 production of Howard Barker's No End of Blame was nominated for four NY Innovative Theatre Awards, including Megan Byrne for Best Actress in a Supporting Role (winner in her category), Best Production, Richard Romagnoli for Best Director and Alex Draper for Best Actor in a Leading Role. PTP has been nominated for seven Helen Hayes Awards.

PTP was founded in 1987 by the artistic team of Cheryl Faraone, Jim Petosa and Richard Romagnoli. During its 20 seasons (1987-2006) in Washington DC and Maryland, the company produced 75 main stage productions along with numerous new play readings, late night experimental productions and a variety of ancillary events. PTP/NYC is affiliated with the Theatre Program of Middlebury College, Middlebury, Vermont.

The design and production team consists of Christina Galvez (Set Design), Hallie Zieselman (Lighting Design), Danielle Nieves (Costume Design for Lovesong), Jimmy Wong (Sound Design for Lovesong), Emma Ermotti (Costume Design for Mercy), Andrew Duncan Will (Sound Design for Mercy), Eleanor Kahn (Furniture Design for Mercy), Ross Bell (Projection Design), and Alex Mark and Lisa McGinn (Stage Managers).

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