2nd Story Theatre Presents COMIC POTENTIAL 1/22-2/21/2010

2nd Story Theatre proudly presents the hilariously serious comedy "Comic Potential" by Alan Ayckbourn, directed by Ed Shea. This richly woven futuristic ‘farce-love story-drama' runs from January 22 - February 21. Preview performances are Friday, January 22 and Saturday, January 23 at 8:00pm; preview ticket price is $10. Regular performances are Thursday, January 28 - Sunday, February 21 with Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings at 8:00pm and Sunday matinees at 3:00pm; regular ticket price is $25. 2nd Story Theatre is located at 28 Market St., Warren, RI. For tickets, visit the Box Office, call 401-247-4200 or email boxoffice@2ndStoryTheatre.com. The Café at 2nd Story is open on all performances dates for dining. Call the Box Office for reservations. Visit the website at www.2ndStoryTheatre.com for more information. 2nd Story Theatre is a fully accessible venue.

Synopsis

It's a small step from comic lessons to love, or it is, at least, for TV actoid Jacie and television writer Adam. Set in the future, where human actors have been replaced by robotic actoids, Jacie captures Adam's heart with her unusual grasp of comedy - especially the old ‘pie-in-face' routine. Under the threat of being scrapped by high-powered TV exec Carla Pepperbloom, Jacie and Adam go on the lam, only to be tracked down and returned to the TV station. In the end, it's Jacie who gets the upper-hand but will she wield her power any better than her predecessor?

"Comic Potential" premiered with critical and popular acclaim at the Stephen Joseph Theatre (Scarborough, England) in 1998, with Janie Dee in the challenging role of Jacie, the actoid. The production moved to London's Lyric Theatre in 1999, with Dee remaining in the role. She received the three prestigious awards for ‘Best Actress' at the Lawrence Olivier Awards, the London Evening Standard Awards and the Critics' Circle Theatre Awards, a remarkable feat only achieved previously by Dame Judi Dench. The production moved to the Manhattan Theatre Club in New York where Dee garnished an Obie Award, a Theatre World Award, a Lucille Lortel Nomination, Drama League Citation and Drama Desk Nomination for 'Best Actress'.

TALKIN' IT UP

Discussion Sunday

Put your thinking cap on.

Two humanities discussions on the production's theatrical aspects and the humanities themes roused by the play. Pre-show discussion begins at 2pm; post-show discussion begins immediately following the performance.

Sunday, January 31

Ed-ification [sq] Week

Post-play, post-mortem, post-haste

Brief, spirited, informal discussions about the play's theatrical journey from page to stage led by director Ed Shea. Post-show discussion follows each performance.

Thursday, February 4; Friday, February 5; Saturday, February 6; Sunday, February 7

ShrinkRap

Put the playwright on the couch

Examine the play and playwright from the psychological perspective with Dr. Rendueles Villalba. Discussion immediately follows the performance.

Friday, February 19

NEW - THE CAFÉ AT 2nd STORY OFFERS PRE-MATINEE DINING

Located on the first floor of 2nd Story Theatre, the Café is a full service bar and restaurant, open to the public on performance dates before, during and after the show. In addition to dining service offered Thursday - Sunday evenings, patrons may now enjoy lunch service prior to Sunday matinees, with seating times at 1:00pm and 1:30pm. Reservations required for pre-show dining. Call 401-247-4200 to reserve a table.

ABOUT 2nd STORY THEATRE

2nd Story Theatre is a professional, non-union company with a unique aesthetic and the highest artistic standards for excellence in the performance of great plays in its relaxed 130 seat black box theatre. Founded in Newport, Rhode Island in 1978 by Pat Hegnauer and Ed Shea, the theatre found a permanent home in the historic district of Warren, RI in 2001 under the artistic direction of Ed Shea. 2nd Story Theatre offers acting classes through its studio arm, the Actorsworkshop.

DETAILS

"Comic Potential" by Alan Ayckbourn
January 22 - February 21
Directed by Ed Shea
TV actoid Jacie learns about laughter, love, and power in this futuristic comedy.

Where:
2nd Story Theatre
28 Market St.
Warren, RI 02885
401-247-4200
boxoffice@2ndStoryTheatre.com
2nd Story Theatre is a fully accessible venue.

Tickets:
Preview $10
Regular $25

Website:
www.2ndStoryTheatre.com

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