Epic Theatre Makes March Marvelous With MARSHALL

Epic Theatre Company is once again breaking new theatrical ground with its World Premiere production of "Marshall" written by Epic's Artistic Director Kevin Broccoli. Similar to Epic's smash hit "James Franco and Me," this new work will also be performed unrehearsed by two actors using an agreed-upon script that will come together in front of a live audience.

"We've obviously had quite a time over the past year dealing with the legalities of 'James Franco and Me,'" said Broccoli, "And at one point, someone mentioned to me that it was a shame the controversy surrounding the show was overpowering the concept, because it really was an incredible experience for everyone who participated. The idea of two actors having to trust each other enough to perform a show without ever having discussed it really led to some amazing theater, and I started to wonder if there was a way to recreate the magic of the Franco show with a brand new script..."

And then came "Marshall."

It's the story of an actor and an android auditioning for a role-the role of Marshall-and it poses the question: What happens when technology and art collide? What could a human do to give themselves an advantage over a robot who's been designed to act?

"The show takes place in the not-so-distant future," said Broccoli, "And with each passing day, it seems less and less like science fiction."

Broccoli also promises that we can expect even higher stakes for "Marshall" than for Epic's last show with no rehearsal.

"The script for 'James Franco and Me' was written without the concept in mind. This time around, I knew exactly what we'd be doing with the script, so I tried to include as many elements as possible that would make it a challenge to perform. Then I went out and found six phenomenal actors to tackle the text with me."

At each performance, Broccoli will be playing the android named Green, and the role of the Actor will alternate. Several former Franco's were recruited, along with some Epic favorites, and one actor making their Epic debut.

"We really enjoy having these big events in our season. They demonstrate that big ideas are often born at small theaters."

Marshall will be performed at 50 Rolfe Square, at the newly renovated theater home to Epic Theatre Company. For tickets, e-mail EpicTheatreCompany@gmail.com.

*Epic Theatre Company seeks to bring provocative contemporary work to Rhode Island as well as new perspectives on classical theater. We strive to continue the tradition of "event" theater, where each production has built-in excitement both for the audiences and the artists involved.

**Epic is a proud member of the Rhode Island Theater Alliance (RITA) and is the Resident Theater Company at the Artists Exchange in Cranston, RI.

Marshall

Written by Kevin Broccoli

Performances

Friday, March 2nd @ 8pm - Featuring Christopher Crider-Plonka

Saturday, March 3rd @ 8pm - Featuring Nick Doig

Sunday, March 4th @ 7pm - Featuring Dillon Medina

Monday, March 5th @ 7pm (Press Night) - Featuring Christopher Crider-Plonka

Friday, March 9th @ 8pm - Featuring Adam Fleming

Friday, March 16th @ 8pm - Featuring Michael Puppi

Friday, March 23rd @ 8pm - Featuring Matthew Gorgone

Saturday, March 24th @ 8pm - Featuring Nick Doig

Tickets: $20 General Admission, $15 Seniors

***Students and Military Service Members Attend Free

As Part of Epic's Free Ticketing Program

****Poster by David Conlin

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