Psychological Thriller SWITZERLAND Up Next at Theatre Artists Studio

Somewhere in the Swiss Alps, grande dame of crime literature Patricia Highsmith lives in a stylish apartment surrounded by an impressive collection of books and a rather sinister collection of guns and knives. But the studiously organized haven she has created for herself is threatened when a mysterious young man arrives at her door, challenging her beliefs and testing the boundaries between fiction and reality.

Joanna Murrray-Smith makes one of the most important and successful writers of the psychological thriller a fictional character in Switzerland. The real Highsmith is best known for her series of novels featuring mercurial protagonist Tom Ripley. Several successful film adaptations have been made of her work, including "The Talented Mr. Ripley" starring Matt Damon. As brilliant as she was cantankerous, Miss Highsmith - a lesbian who nonetheless preferred men over women in every way but sexually - had strong opinions about various ethnic groups and cultures and reportedly preferred the company of animals to that of humans. She once went to a cocktail party with a head of lettuce and 100 snails in her purse, introducing them as her companions for the evening.

Switzerland features Patti Suarez as Patricia Highsmith and Joshua Vern as Edward, with direction by Brad Allen. Theatre Artists Studio presents Joanna Murray-Smith's Switzerland from October 13 to November 5, with performances Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 2:00.

Tickets are $25 for General Admission, $15 for Students 25 & Under and $20 for Groups of 10 or More, Seniors 65 and over and Members of the Military. For tickets, call the box office at 602-765-0120 or visit: www.thestudiophx.org.

This production is being presented under the auspices of the Actor's Equity Association Members Project Code.

Mission Statement: The Studio was founded to create extraordinary theatre in a collaborative environment that engages audiences, educates our community and explores the capacity for creative expression in each and every individual.

About Theatre Artists Studio: A member organization of actors, playwrights, directors, producers and designers, The Studio provides a place for theatre artists to work at their craft in an atmosphere which fosters mutual growth and collaboration through Studio affiliation. The Studio provides interaction between its members and the community by providing an opportunity to produce innovative projects, mentor emerging talent and establish an educational resource to celebrate the power and imagination of theatre.

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