The REP Premieres A Child's Guide to Heresy

A Child's Guide to Heresy is adapted from the novel of the same title, also by Lascelles. In 13th century Yorkshire, England, 9 year-old Tom is sent away from his family to meet the powerful Bishop, Constantus. He then wills the boy to a trio of terrifying acts involving an alchemist who conjures both angels and demons, a beautiful witch, her mysterious daughter and a host of chilling rituals. This world premiere of Lascelles' masterful epic is an adult-themed fairytale of innocence lost and an unforgettably dark battle of good and evil.

Kendrew Lascelles co-authored the musical revue Wait a Minim!, and, following a near two year run at the Golden Theater on Broadway, later wrote for The Smothers Brothers Summer Show, The Dean Martin Show and The Gold Diggers. He has also written a number of stage plays, screen plays and novels. Lascelles will play the party of Tannegut, Archbishop of York and Constantus' nemesis, in The REP's September production.

Robert A. Miller, the acclaimed Hollywood director, producer and screenwriter, returns to Pittsburgh and The REP to direct the production. Miller will be a Distinguished Master Artist in Residence at Point Park University in 2011.

The REP's production of A Child's Guide to Heresy features Brian Knoebel as Thomas O'Moorsriding, Nik Duggan as Satan Boy, David Cabot as Mikael Ben Maliaechom, Daryll Heysham as Constantus Eschwood, Daina Michelle Griffith as Madelaine the Pure, Kendrew Lascelles as Tannegut, Brandi Welle as Katerina O'the Fens, Jonathan Visser as Brother Bartholomew, Justin Fortunato as Brother Peter, J. Alex Noble as Prior Matthew, Gregory Johnstone as Father/Monk, Dereck Walton as Bill Brewer, Cassie Brehmer as Agnus, Mary Rawson as Grandmother, F.J. Hartland as Brother Erdwin and John Amplas as Brother Francis. Scenic design is by Michael Thomas Essad; costume design is by Joan Markert; lighting design is by Andrew David Ostrowski; sound design is by StEve Shapiro; projection design is by Jessi Sedon-Essad; and Janet Madelle Feindel is dialect coach.

A Child's Guide to Heresy previews on Thursday, Sept. 8, and runs from Friday, Sept. 9 through Sunday, Sept. 25 in the Rauh Theater. Performances are Thursday - Saturday at 8 p.m. and Saturday - Sunday at 2 p.m. Dunkin' Donuts is sponsoring a talkback on Friday, Sept. 16, 2011.

The REP 2011 - 2012 season subscriptions-which save patrons up to 35% off single ticket prices-are available now. Subscriber perks also include an invitation to Point Park University's exclusive season-opening party, a fourth subscription free when three are purchased, and other benefits.

Individual tickets range in price from $24 to $27. Preview tickets are $15. To order a season subscription or purchase individual tickets, contact the Pittsburgh Playhouse box office by phone 412-392-8000 or online www.pittsburghplayhouse.com.

Patrons can take advantage of "pay what you will" on Saturday, Sept. 10 for the 2 p.m. performance.

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