Bristol Riverside Theatre Presents UP, 3/16-4/4

Bristol Riverside Theatre presents the Philadelphia premiere of Up by Bridget Carpenter, running March 16-April 4. Directed by BRT Artistic Director Keith Baker, the ensemble cast features Kyle Driggs, Michelle Eugene, Laura C. Giknis, Benjamin Lloyd, Jonathan Silver, and Jo Twiss.

Previews begin Tuesday, March 16 with opening night on Thursday, March 18. Performances run Tuesday through Sunday until April 4. Tickets are $29-37, with discounts for students and groups. Tickets are available by calling the BRT Box Office at 215-785-0100 or visiting brtstage.org. Bristol Riverside Theatre is located at 120 Radcliffe Street in Bristol, PA.

Up tells the dramatic story of Walter Griffin, a man who soared to great heights for one magical moment. With a lawn chair, a weather balloon, a BB gun and a beer, he strapped in and took the ride of his life. Now, with an angst ridden teenage son, an unfulfilled wife, and no income, Walter is determined to once again escape the ordinary.

"We are thrilled to be presenting this moving drama about a man who seeks the extraordinary in life. The special effects of this play are challenging and we are excited to be the first production ever to have an actor actually walk a tightrope on stage!" said Director Keith Baker.

Kyle Driggs (Philippe Petit) makes his theater debut. A professional circus performer, he is an accomplished juggler, acrobat and dancer. Winner of the International Jugglers Association Individual Prop Competition, he has trained at Koresh School of Dance and Philadelphia School of Circus Arts, where he is currently a teacher.

Michelle Eugene (Helen) appeared in The Wilma Theatre production of Amadeus, The Vagina Monologues at City Theatre Company, and A Hotel in Marvin Gardens and Kafka in the Hedgerows, both at Hedgerow Theatre. She has also been a frequent guest at Peterborough Players and Theater of the Seventh Sister.

Laura C. Giknis (Maria) has appeared in the 11th Hour Theatre Company productions of Little Shop of Horrors and Reefer Madness. She has also been featured in several productions at West Chester University Performing Arts Center, her alma mater as well as Southside Theatre.

Benjamin Lloyd (Walter) won a Barrymore Award for his performance in Scorched at The Wilma Theater. He has received six Barrymore nominations, for The Heckler at 1812 Productions; Rhinoceros at Theatre Exile; Dimly Perceived Threats to the System at People's Light & Theatre Company; Three in the Back, Two in the Head at InterAct Theatre Company; The Illusion at Cheltenham Center for the Arts; and Vilna's Got A Golem at Philadelphia Festival Theatre for New Plays. He also teaches acting at both Temple University and Penn State University.
Jonathan Silver (Mikey) comes to BRT following his critically-acclaimed performance in Arden Theatre Company's The History Boys. He has also appeared in Romeo & Juliet at Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts as well as at Clear Stage Cincinnati and the Edinburgh and Cincinnati Fringe Festivals.

Jo Twiss (Aunt Chris) has appeared at BRT in The Spitfire Grill, Always Patsy Cline, Mrs. Bob Cratchit's Wild Christmas Binge, and A Moon for the Misbegotten, for which she received a Barrymore nomination. She was also nominated for a Barrymore Award for her performance in Dancing at Lughnasa at Hedgerow Theatre. She appeared on Broadway in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and most recently performed in Rabbit Hole at Pittsburgh Public Theatre and Theatre Works in Hartford.

Up brings together the creative team of Roman Tatarowicz as set designer; Kate Ashton as light designer; and Linda Bee Stockton as costume designer.

Since 1986, BRT has brought consistently acclaimed professional theatre to Bucks County and maintained a long-term commitment to finding and developing new plays. The theatre is the recipient of over 50 Barrymore Award nominations for Excellence in Theatre, given annually by the Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia. In addition to its mainstage productions, the theatre serves as a cultural hub for the community, with such programs as children's theatre, community concerts and exhibitions of local visual arts. Currently under the direction of Artistic Director Keith Baker, Founding Director Susan D. Atkinson, and Managing Director, Amy Kaissar, BRT enters its 23rd season. For information, visit www.brtstage.org.

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