Tongue in Cheek Theater's THE INN AT LAKE DEVINE Begins Tonight

Tongue in Cheek Theater Productions (Jake Lipman, producing artistic director) has cast its world premiere adaptation of the popular novel, THE INN AT LAKE DEVINE by Elinor Lipman (Vintage Contemporaries), which will run for 16 performances, tonight, October 7, through October 24, 2015, in midtown NYC.

The cast features Kurt Bardele, Michael Breese Barbour, Andrew Dawson, Jessica Giannone, Carson Lee, Jake Lipman, Maria Maloney, Ruben Navarro, Norrice Raymaker, Amanda Rodhe, Andrew Spieker, Barbra Wengerd, Jennifer Dorr White, Jill Melanie Wirth, and Melissa WolfKlain.

THE INN AT LAKE DEVINE begins in 1964. When Natalie Marx's mother inquires about summer accommodations, she gets the following reply: "THE INN AT LAKE DEVINE is a family-owned resort. Our guests who feel most comfortable here, and return year after year, are Gentiles." For 14-year-old Natalie, these words are an irresistible challenge, setting in motion events that will change her life.

Elinor Lipman's books include Then She Found Me (adapted into a film directed by and starring Helen Hunt), The Family Man, The View from Penthouse B and The Ladies' Man. Lipman shares, "I've always hoped that one of my books could be adapted for the stage, but whom to trust? I found that answer from the first conversation I had with Jake Lipman. For me, this theater company and this book are a match made in adaptation heaven. I'm excited to see my characters-especially these, who are very dear to me-brought to life."

Founded in 2006 by Jake Lipman, Tongue in Cheek Theater (TIC)'s mission is to produce and create thought- provoking comedic works, including the 2014 company-created Buffalo Heights (2014 Puffin Foundation grant recipient). THE INN AT LAKE DEVINE has been developed TIC's 31st production and 10th anniversary season. Producing artistic director Lipman explains, "Although Elinor Lipman and I are not related, I feel a kinship with her work, and the humor and heart of THE INN AT LAKE DEVINE fits perfectly with TIC's mission."

Director Kimberly Faith Hickman has assistant directed on Broadway with Bruce Norris on Clybourne Park, Lynne Meadow on The Assembled Parties, and Susan Stroman on The Scottsboro Boys. Off-Broadway, Hickman has directed on Theater Row and terraNOVA Collective and regionally for Williamstown Theatre Festival and Omaha Playhouse. Hickman is assisted by Molly Ballerstein, whose directing credits include The Moon Play (Exquisite Corpse Company) and The Sandman's Coming (Going to Tahiti Productions).

Musical director Philip Rothman has composed original music and arranged choral pieces for the production. His orchestration credits include Ray Donovan (Showtime), Too Big to Fail, Taking Chance, Teddy in His Own Words, You Don't Know Jack (HBO Films), and Sin Nombre; New York Innovative Theatre Awards Nominee, Outstanding Sound Design for Proof (Tongue in Cheek Theater).

Rounding out the production team are scenic designer Tyler M. Perry (Cider Mill Playhouse, Kitchen Theatre Co., Atlantic Theater Company), costume designer Lisa Renee Jordan (Rattlestick, MultiStages, IRT, HERE Arts, Williamstown, Ensemble Studio Theater), and lighting designer Richard T. Chamblin III (Ars Nova, Signature Theater, Gallery Players).

The play THE INN AT LAKE DEVINE will run October 7-24, 2015 at Theatre 54 @ Shetler Studios, 244 West 54 Street, 12th Floor, New York, NY. Tickets are on sale at www.tictheater.com.

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