Photo Flash: THE THRILL OF THE CHASE At Mad Dog Theatre Co

Mad Dog Theatre Company will present the World Premiere of THE THRILL OF THE CHASE a new play by British playwright Philip Gawthorne, whose play "Modern Life is Rubbish" was nominated for a NY Innovative Theatre Award in 2008. Directed by Joel Waage (Mad Dog Theatre Company Artistic Director), previews performances of THE THRILL OF THE CHASE begin Off-Broadway on February 16 prior to an official press opening of February 19 at The Drilling Company Theater (236 West 78th Street – between Broadway and Amsterdam) in Manhattan.

About the show: "Perversion. Brutality. Debauchery. What else are friends for? Following in the tradition of David Mamet and Neil LaBute, THE THRILL OF THE CHASE is a brutal, uncompromising, and darkly comic exploration of masculinity and sexual politics. When hard-working, timid Nicky unexpectedly announces his intentions to wed his troubled girlfriend Izzy to his lifelong friend and flat mate the carefree, womanizing Charlie, thus turning his back on not only their bachelor lifestyles but the stunning penthouse apartment they share in the heart of the city, the affronted Charlie suggests a perverse wager – which threatens both their friendship and their very existence."

THE THRILL OF THE CHASE was originally workshopped at The Old Vic New Voices program.

Directed by Joel Waage (THIS IS NOT THE PLAY), the cast of THE THRILL OF THE CHASE features Ryan Barrentine, Jenna D'Angelo (ALMOST, MAINE, The 45th Street Theater), Kevin O'Callaghan (Gregory S. Moss' THE ARGUMENT, The Attic Theatre Company) and Nicole Samsel (ECLIPSED, Gaiety Theatre, Dublin).

Design team for THE THRILL OF THE CHASE is Scenic Designer Joseph Jesse (FALLEN, Cherry Lane Theatre), Lighting Designer Joey Bennet ("Fleet Foxes"), and Sound Designer Jon Boyette.

Philip Gawthorne is a writer for film, television and theatre. His stage credits include: THE RULES OF THE GAME (Bush Theatre, London), FRAGMENTS (Riverside Studios, London), UNITED STATE (The Old Vic), CHRISTMAS RELOADED (Old Red Lion Theatre, Islington), APRIL DEMARCO (Soho Theatre, London), HOMELAND (Theatre 503), MODERN LIFE IS RUBBISH (Hampstead Theatre, London; Manhattan Theatre Source, New York), APPLE PIE (Tricycle Theatre), BREAKTIME (Pleasance Theatre, London), COFFEE, CIGARETTES AND PARANOIA (King's Head Theatre), and PUBLIC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION (Royal Court Theatre). Gawthorne's work has been developed through the Old Vic New Voices program. His play MODERN LIFE IS RUBBISH was nominated for a New York Innovative Theatre Award in 2008 and was turned into an award-winning short film, which was included in the prestigious 2010 Brit List (a listing of the best British screenplays of the year). He is a graduate of the elite BBC Writers Academy and has written extensively for several of BBC One flagship dramas, including: "Doctors," "Eastenders," "Holby City," "Casualty," "Waterloo Road," and more.

Founded in 2010, Mad Dog Theatre Company is dedicated to producing new works for the stage. They are an ensemble of ever evolving theatre professionals who wear a multitude of different hats – which helps to foster their commitment

Mad Dog Theatre Company was founded in 2010 by seven theatre artists and artisans (yes, artisans) who met at Florida State University/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training. Its members – experienced (and aspiring) actors, directors, playwrights, theatre administrators, teaching artists and bartenders – work as an ensemble and encourage each other to wear a number of hats so that they – like their audience – are always evolving.

Performances of THE THRILL OF THE CHASE run February 16 through March 4 on a performance schedule of Thursdays through Saturdays at 8:00pm and Sundays at 2:00pm at The Drilling Company Theater (236 West 78th Street, between Broadway and Amsterdam) on the Upper West Side. Tickets are $18 and can be purchased through Smarttix at www.smarttix.com or by calling 212-868-4444.

Photo Credit: Colleen Katana

Jenna DeAngelo, Ryan Barrentine, Kevin O'Callaghan, Nicole Samsel

Ryan Barrentine and Kevin O'Callaghan