VIETNAM...THROUGH MY LENS Begins Tonight at Dorothy Strelsin Theatre

LSNelson Productions presents the world premiere of the new play VIETNAM...THROUGH MY LENS written and performed by Stu Richel ("Everyone's War"), directed by Linda S. Nelson ("The Choice") with performances beginning tonight, November 6th prior to an official press opening of November 9th at the Dorothy Strelsin Theatre (312 West 36th Street) in Manhattan.

VIETNAM...THROUGH MY LENS is Stu Richel's poignant and thought-provoking, new play that explores his journey as a combat journalist and photographer to, through and beyond his military service in Vietnam. VIETNAM...THROUGH MY LENS is one soldier's intimately personal and unique tale about friendships, trust, and tenacity that travels from jungles of South East Asia to the "jungle" of Manhattan.

The Vietnam War was a long, costly armed conflict that pitted the communist regime of North Vietnam and its southern allies, known as the Viet Cong, against South Vietnam and its principal ally, the United States. The divisive war, increasingly unpopular at home, ended with the withdrawal of U.S. forces in 1973 and the unification of Vietnam under Communist control two years later. More than 3 million people, including 58,000 Americans, were killed during the conflict.

Stu Richel has written and performed three other solo shows: "Mortal Decisions, a Diary of the Donner Party" (which was called "a true work of sublime genius," by the NY Observer), "Theodore Judah and the Transcontinental Railroad" and "Everyone's War" (which The Village Voice praised his characters as "deftly described" and called his performance "riveting"). His other plays include "The Same Cloud" and "The Bugs Don't Call Me Nigger" (Northside Theatre Company). Mr. Richel has had principal roles in 17 feature films, 20 short films, and dozens of Regional, Off Broadway and other shows in New York City. On stage he has appeared in "Proof" (Redhouse), "Twilight of the Golds" (Shadowland), and "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" (San Jose Stage), and in film and tv he has appeared in "Death in Love," "Hiding Divya," "One Life to Live," "30 Rock," to name a few. Stu served in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1970. In 1969, he was a combat correspondent with the 1st Infantry Division in Vietnam.

Linda S. Nelson (Director and Dramaturge) directing credits include: "Toast, Boast or Roast - A Tribute to Austin Pendleton" (featuring Olympia Dukakis, Louis Zorich, F. Murray Abraham, etc.), "Missa Solemnis or The Play About Henry" (The Barrow Group Theatre, Downtown Urban Theatre Festival), "The Necessary Disposal" (Scripts Up!) and "The Choice" (Shotgun Productions). As a dramaturge, Ms. Nelson has worked with dozens of writers, including playwright/novelist Cailin Heffernan, screenwriter Michael Lee Stever and playwrights Roman Feeser, Bob Ost and Phil Olson. As an actor, Ms. Nelson works frequently with Oberon Theatre Ensemble, Boomerang Theatre Company, and New Jersey Repertory Company.

The design and production team for VIETNAM...THROUGH MY LENS includes: Marisa Merrigan (scenic designer), Elaine Wong (lighting designer), Michael Lee Stever (photo montages/video design), Samantha Newby (costume consultant), Philip Emeott (graphic designer), Christopher A. McCarthy and Christopher T. Evans (website design/development), Terence McCarthy (marketing consultant), Melissa E. Carroll (assistant stage manager) and Amy Henault (stage manager).

A tour of VIETNAM...THROUGH MY LENS is anticipated for 2015, additional details TBA.

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