The REP Presents MIA, 3/23-4/7

The REP, Point Park University's professional theatre company, presents the world premiere ofMIA by Bruce J. Robinson at the Pittsburgh Playhouse March 23 through April 7. John Amplas will direct this new play that forces the audience to ponder on where loyalty should lay; family or country?

The Schooler family is torn apart by the disappearance of their eldest son, Captain Michael Schooler, 97^th Bombardment Wing, U.S. Air Force. A plane crash during Operation Desert Shield leaves Frank Schooler, devoted father and long-time insurance salesmen, with the difficult task of keeping a family together in the midst of a tragedy. On the eve of what should have been Michael's 40^th birthday, a small town in rural Ohio is preparing to honor Frank with the VFW's Committee on MIAs "Man of the Year." Although this honor is a cause for celebration, bringing the family back together for the ceremony sparks new controversy as their youngest son, Randy, has a big announcement. 

Frank's wife, Emmy, brings balance to the Schooler home by constantly being a strong supporter of her husband and children; while Frank's best friend and neighbor, Kenny Bryce, continually reminds Frank that he is only human and therefore does not have complete control over the world around him. Despite Frank's belief that his word is law, Randy decides to enlist forcing his family to consider that they may lose another son to war.

The cast includes Larry John Meyers as Frank Schooler, Tommy LaFitte as Kenny Bryce, Justin Mark DeWolf as Randy Schooler, Holly Thuma as Emmy Schooler, Daina Michelle Griffith as Maura Schooler Paultz, and Justin Fortunato as Michael Schooler.  Scenic design is by Anne Mundell; costume design is by Joan Markert; lighting design is by Todd Wren; sound design is by StEve Shapiro; and projection design is by Jessi Sedon-Essad.

Bruce J. Robinson is an accomplished playwright with many "Best Play" awards and nominations under his belt. In addition to plays, he has worked on Gary Goldberg's Brooklyn Bridge and Glenn Caron's Showroom. He is married to actress Donna Robinson, a Point Park University alumna. 

MIA will preview on Thursday, March 22 and runs from Friday, March 23 through Saturday, April 7. Performances are Thursday – Saturday at 8 p.m. and Saturday – Sunday at 2 p.m. There is an added performance on Wednesday, April 4 at 8 p.m.; there is no performance on Sunday, April 8. Dunkin' Donuts is sponsoring a talkback on Friday, March 30, 2012, following the performance. 

Individual tickets range in price from $24-27. Preview tickets are $15. The pay what you will performance will be held on Saturday, March 24 at 2 p.m. To order tickets, contact the Pittsburgh Playhouse box office by phone at 412-392-8000 or online at www.pittsburghplayhouse.com.

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