Abingdon Presents LOST ON THE NATCHEZ TRACE, Previews 2/3

Abingdon Theatre Company - which has produced 64 new American plays in its 18-year history - continues its 2011-2012 Season with the world premiere of LOST ON THE Natchez Trace, a new play by Jan Buttram, Artistic Director of Abingdon Theatre Company and author of the recent
hit PHANTOM KILLER, set to begin previews February 3, prior to its official press opening February 12, at the Abingdon Theatre Arts Complex's Dorothy Strelsin Theatre (312 West 36th Street). Kate
Bushmann directs.

When slave auctioneer Malcolm Jeters falls from his mule in Mississippi's Natchez Trace, he is left stranded, injured and starving. Tom, a runaway slave, discovers him, offering a sliver of
hope in the vast swampland. The meeting triggers a desperate negotiation for Malcolm's rescue. Who will pay the highest price?

LOST ON THE Natchez Trace co-stars Peter Brouwer, previously seen at Abingdon in MY DEAH, GOD'S DAUGHTER and Ms. Buttram's GLORY GIRLS, as Malcolm Jeters; and Leopold Lowe, Audelco Award winner for his work in Classical Theatre of Harlem's revival of Ma Rainey'S BLACK BOTTOM, as Tom.

The production has scenic design by Andrew Lu; costume design by Catherine Siracusa and Sidney Levitt; lighting design by Travis McHale; and sound design by David Margolin Lawson. The Production Stage Manager is Genevieve Ortiz.

Peter Brouwer has appeared in several Abingdon productions, including Jan Buttram's GLORY GIRLS, BEACHWOOD DRIVE, MY DEAH, and GOD'S DAUGHTER. He appeared in the recent remake of "Arthur" (as an auctioneer) and is best known for his role in the original "Friday the 13th." He also works as an auctioneer at fundraising benefits for numerous organizations, including Abingdon, of which he is a founding member.

Leopold Lowe is an Audelco Award winner for his performance as Levee in August Wilson's Ma Rainey'S BLACK BOTTOM at Classical Theatre of Harlem; a Roby Award winner for his performance as the young revolutionary, Thami, in Athol Fugard's MY CHILDREN, MY AFRICA in Los
Angeles; and co-starred in RESURGENTS which received a Best Ensemble nomination at the 2010 Midtown InterNational Theatre Festival.

Playwright Jan Buttram is the Artistic Director of Abingdon Theatre Company. Her plays include PHANTOM KILLER, PRIVATE BATTLES, TEXAS HOMOS, and THE PARKER FAMILY CIRCUS. LOST ON THE Natchez Trace, a project that has been five years in the making, was written specifically for Mr. Brouwer.

Director Kate Bushmann is a longtime Abingdon artist. This will be her fourth time directing a world premiere play for the company, following THE APPEARANCE OF IMPROPRIETY (1999); BEYOND RECOGNITION (2003); and, THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT (2007).

LOST ON THE Natchez Trace is the result of a 17-year collaborative history with the playwright and Peter Brouwer that began with Ms. Buttram's 1995 comedy GLORY GIRLS.

Since 1993, Abingdon Theatre Company has developed and produced new plays by American Playwrights exclusively. Their actors, directors, designers, producers and dramaturgs have collaborated with more than 200 playwrights to develop original plays. Under the guidance of
Artistic Director Jan Buttram and Managing Director Samuel J. Bellinger, the company provides a safe home in which playwrights collaborate with other theatre artists and receive audience feedback through readings and workout labs, culminating in full productions.

Abingdon Theatre Company concludes its 19th season with the world premiere of Frank Tangredi's new play LIFELINE, directed by Jules Ochoa (March 9-April 1). Abingdon Theatre Company's 2011-2012 Season productions are performed on the Equity approved Off-Broadway Seasonal Code.

LOST ON THE Natchez Trace runs February 3-26: Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7pm; Friday and Saturdays at 8pm; with 2pm matinees on Saturdays and Sundays (with the following exception: opening, Sunday, February 12 at 5pm). Tickets are $25. For tickets and more information about Abingdon Theatre Company (312 West 36th Street, between 8th and 9th Avenues), call 212-868-2055 or visit www.abingdontheatre.org.

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