InterAct Theatre Company to Premiere DOWN PAST PASSYUNK, 4/4-27

InterAct Theatre Company brings to the stage the world premiere production of A. Zell Williams' Down Past Passyunk, inspired by the controversy stirred up by Philadelphia landmark Geno's Steaks. Down Past Passyunk runs from April 4 - 27, 2014 with previews from April 4 - 6. Press opening is April 9 at 7p.m. InterAct Theatre Company is located at 2030 Sansom Street. Performances will be held Tuesday - Sunday. Tickets start at just $22 and may be purchased by phone 215-568-8079, on-line at www.interacttheatre.org or in-person at the InterAct Theatre Company Box Office (M-F 10-6).

Williams' drew inspiration from his time living in South Philadelphia, while serving as the National New Play Networks Playwright-in-Residence with InterAct, and the real-life controversy surrounding the now infamous "speak English" sign at Geno's Steaks. In the directorial hands of Theatre Exile's Matt Pfeiffer, Down Past Passyunk recreates a fictional cheesesteak shop, complete with grill, and explores the changing face of South Philly.

Down Past Passyunk centers on longtime owner Nicky Grillo who is embroiled in a public relations nightmare ever since he asked one of his customers to "speak English" when ordering a cheesesteak. As he watches his community rapidly diversify, Nicky pits himself against his spirited daughter, his oldest friend and a popular new Mexican steak shop across the street. In an effort to keep his neighborhood "All-American," Nicky goes to extraordinary lengths triggering unforeseen consequences.

"I am thrilled to be back working at InterAct. I think Zell is an amazingly talented writer and this is such a unique opportunity to bring his voice back to Philadelphia," states director Matt Pfeiffer. "His play asks great questions about community, identity, and what it means to be an American. America is often referred to as the Great Experiment. Our investment in and maintenance of that experiment, is a challenge. How we rise to the challenges of changing culture, national identity, and immigration, is the core conflict of Zell's exciting new play."

The cast of Philadelphia-favorites is made up of Brian Cowden, Alex Keiper, Kittson O'Neill, William Rahill, Alice Yorke, and William Zielinski. Bobby Plasencia, a New York based actor, rounds out the cast. The production team includes Set Designer Ian Guzzone, Lighting Designer Drew Billiau, Sound Designer Christopher Colucci, and Costume Designer Allison Roberts, along with Properties Designer Avista Custom Theatrical Services.

InterAct will continue this season's InterAct with Us program presented by PNC Arts Alive on April 19. InterAct with Us invites Quizzo Master Johnny Goodtimes to host a special Philadelphia and cheesesteak themed quizzo specially for InterAct following the 8pm performance of Down Past Passyunk. In order to make this special event more accessible to younger audiences, $10 tickets will be available for those attending the special event and the post-show quizzo at The Café (2011 Walnut Street). For more information and $10 tickets, please call 215-568-8079.

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