Space 55 Presents THE POWER OF PUNCTUATION By Natalie Margolin

Space 55, the champion of Phoenix's alternative theatre scene for 12 years, is kicking off the summer with a new play about friendship, sex, and commas - "The Power of Punctuation" by Natalie Margolin, directed by Louis Farber. Receiving its Off Broadway premiere in 2016, New York Times' reviewer Laura Collins-Hughes described Margolin's work as a "smart, well-acted play, clever at delineating competing demands: the emotional intimacy of friendship and the privacy required to develop, or even dream of, attachments elsewhere... It's a surprisingly incisive take on a time of life when newfound sexual freedom and large quantities of alcohol can wreak havoc on your ability to judge what matters most."

The play tells the story of roommates Jenny, Fran, and Angie. It begins late in the evening at their apartment, after a fun-filled Saturday night. When Fran receives a text from Jason, Jenny begins walking Fran through a set of rules - mandatory rules - on whether or not Fran can respond. As the play progresses, tensions rise, the rules are tested, and the innocent conversation evolves into something unforeseeable.

"I'm very excited to finally be directing for Space 55," says Farber. "It's been an ongoing scheduling struggle ever since the days of Shawna Franks. I've always been a fan of the company's work and I'm grateful that we were able to work this out. I think audiences will find this play clever, funny, and extremely relatable. I'm also excited to be a part of bringing a new play by a talented female playwright to the Space 55 stage."

"The Power of Punctuation" marks the first production of new Space 55 Artistic Director John Perovich. "We're very excited to be producing Margolin's brilliant script," shares Perovich. "Featuring strong female roles, the writing is witty, fast-paced, biting, and has a charming amount of heart. We have an exceptional director and a stellar cast - we're looking forward to opening night."

"The Power of Punctuation" features performances by Megan Holcomb, Monica Ramirez, and Sarah Schalick.

"The Power of Punctuation" is presented June 15-16, 22-23 and 29-30 at 7:30 p.m. and June 17, 24 and July 1 at 2 p.m. The play is intimately staged at the new home of Space 55: 1524 N. 18th Avenue, Phoenix, Ariz., 85007. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased by visiting www.space55.org.

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