THE ERKLINGS Begins Run this Weekend at Beckett Theatre

Fifteen years after Columbine, with school shootings continuing to proliferate the national headlines, Nathaniel Sam Shapiro's controversial play The Erlkings will get its world premiere this weekend. Directed by Saheem Ali and presented by Factory School Productions and Rashad V. Chambers, The Erlkings will begin performances on November 9, opening on November 16 through December 13, 2014 at Theatre Row's Beckett Theatre (410 West 42nd Street). Tickets are $59.50 and can be purchased by calling 212.239.6200 or by visiting www.Telecharge.com.

Named for a German poem found in a journal of Eric Harris, Nathaniel Sam Shapiro's play, The Erlkings, recounts the days leading up to Columbine murders. Taken from public record and personal journals, Shapiro weaves together scenes from the lives of Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold as they plan one of the most horrific killing sprees in US history.

The Erlkings will star Em Grosland (Eve Ensler's Emotional Creature) as Eric Harris, James Scully (Regional: Anything Goes) as Dylan Klebold, along with Blair Baker (Broadway Oleanna), Matthew Bretschneider (Regional: Ah! Wilderness, Dead End), Jonathan Iglesias (Regional: Miss Abigail's Guide to Dating, Mating and Marriage), Reynaldo Piniella ("Flesh & Bone," Honky), and Kayla Wickes ("Boardwalk Empire," Blood Brothers). Design team includes scenic design by Doss Freel, costumes by Lux Haac, lighting by Katy Atwell and sound and original musical by Michael Thurber.