Photo Flash: The Studio Theatre Wraps Season with RED

In March, The Studio Theatre™ Tierra del Sol (806 San Marino Drive, The Villages, FL) will open the fourth and final production of its second season with John Logan's six time Tony Award winning play, Red.

Famed abstract expressionist painter Mark Rothko asks his recently hired young assistant, Ken, the loaded question, "What do you see?" John Logan's visceral two-hander, Red, features artist Mark Rothko at the height of his career. Set in 1950's lower Manhattan, this biographical play illustrates Rothko struggle as he lands the biggest commission in the history of modern art, a series of murals for New York's famed Four Seasons Restaurant. When Ken begins to challenge Rothko, he faces the agonizing possibility that his crowning achievement could also become his undoing. This six time Tony Award winning play takes a compelling look at the ever-changing relationship between an artist and his creations.

Portraying the character Ken, is Colton Butcher. Colton has previously worked with Red's Director, Trevin Cooper, in The Athens Theatre production of Lend Me a Tenor in Deland, Florida in 2016. His education at Baker County High School garnered two Thespis Awards, Best Actor (2010) and Best Supporting Actor (2012). He has since moved on to perform on stage at Theatre UCF, Orlando Repertory Theatre, Athens Theatre, Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts, and Orlando Shakespeare Theatre. Colton graduated August 2016 from the University of Central Florida with a BFA in Acting. Colton had the pleasure of performing in seven shows at and associated with Theatre UCF, receiving two Irene Ryan nominations, and spear-headed his directorial debut for UCF Guerrilla Shakespeare's production of A Midsummer (K)Night's Dream. After the conclusion of Red, Colton will be participating in Orlando Fringe and then making a move to the Chicago theatre scene. This year Colton has been nominated for BroadwayWorld Regional Best Lead Actor (Professional) and has been a Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival nominee twice.

Playing the role of Rothko is Florida Actor John Lombardi. John has received two Theatre Tampa Bay Award nominations for outstanding featured actor in his performances of Gaston in An Empty Plate and Herr Shultz in Cabaret, both productions of freeFall Theatre. Beside many other freeFall productions, John has performed at Asolo Rep, American Stage, Florida Rep and The Jaeb Theatre. In addition to many regional and off-Broadway credits, John is a member of the New Jersey Repertory Company. He received his BA in theatre from Roger Williams University and his MA in theatre from Monclair State University. John is a proud member of the Actors' EquityAssociation.

The cast also includes: David Paul Rowan (Ken Understudy) who is no stranger to The Studio Theatre this season. Rowan played Jonah in Bad Jews at the top of the season and is currently in the role of David in the production of Company. Another familiar face at The Studio Theatre is Lon Abrams (Rothko Understudy) who starred in Proof last season as Robert.

The Theatre Management and Creative Teams are composed of Artistic Director Whitney Morse, Producer Jason Goedken, Director Trevin Cooper, Set Designer Kenneth Constant, Lighting Designer Weston Corey, Assistant Lighting Designer Michael Giovinco, Costume Designer Rich Najuch, Technical Director Preston Speaker, Production Manager Danielle Paccione, Company Manager Autumn Encarnacion, Stage Manager Abigale Bobb, Assistant Stage Manager/ Production Assistant Amber Sacks, as well as House Manager Grace Petty and Assistant House Manager Josh Kimball.

For tickets: www.TheSharonStudio.com | (352) 751-7799. Price: $15 previews | $35 performances

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