Gamm Theatre Presents ROCK 'N' ROLL Begins Performances 4/19

The Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre (The Gamm) presents the Rhode Island premiere of Rock 'N' Roll, an extraordinary theatrical event from four-time Tony Award winner Tom Stoppard (Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, Travesties, The Real Thing, The Coast of Utopia). Stoppard's sprawling tale about revolution, rock music and politics in the late 20th century is an inspirational work of the modern theater. Gamm Resident Director Judith Swift (An Ideal Husband, Nixon's Nixon) directs this rousing anthem of love and freedom.

Rock 'N' Roll runs from April 29 through May 30 at The Gamm Theatre, 172 Exchange St., Pawtucket, RI. Tickets are $28 and $40 (depending on day/time), preview and press performances (April 29-May 3) only $24. Discounts for subscribers, groups of 10 or more, seniors and students. For tickets call 401-723-4266 or go to gammtheatre.org.

It's August 1968, and Russian tanks are rolling into Prague. Jan, a recently repatriated Czech student, lives for rock music. Max, a Cambridge professor and dyed-in-the-wool Marxist, lives for Communism. By 1990, revolution has taken hold, the tanks are leaving and the idea of freedom is a glorious, complex and market-driven reality. A sweeping drama spanning two countries and 22 turbulent years -- punctuated by the soul-stirring sounds of legendary groups like the Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd and the Grateful Dead -- Rock 'N Roll is a complex, moving and electrifying exploration of society in the throes of transformation.

Winner of the London Evening Standard Theatre Award and London Critics' Circle Theatre Awards for Best New Play

Artistic Director Tony Estrella called The Gamm's production of Rock 'N' Roll "a dream project," adding, "For my money, Tom Stoppard is the greatest living playwright writing in English, and Rock 'N' Roll ranks next to Arcadia, The Real Thing, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, and Travesties as yet another of his masterworks. It's intellectually and emotionally draining, a panorama of history, politics, music and love. It's total theater, epic in scope yet intensely personal and incredibly moving."

95.5 WBRU is media sponsor for Rock 'N' Roll.

"Back when WBRU first switched to its current format, we ran a TV spot that started 'Rock and Roll has always been home to those who weren't afraid to take chances,'" said Wendell Clough, WBRU's Program Director. "The station is exceedingly excited that Stoppard's momentous work is being introduced in Rhode Island by a group the caliber of The Gamm Theatre. This is a play that touches the way rock and roll has for decades had the power to spur people to take chances. Maybe it's just to cut your hair in a new way, maybe it's a chance to bring down a repressive regime."

Alliance Blackstone Valley Federal Credit Union is this play's sponsor.

"Alliance Blackstone Valley FCU is pleased to sponsor this entertaining and inspiring show. We value The Gamm greatly as a cultural resource for our shared community and a strategic partner in growing our business," said Joseph J. Cicione III, President/CEO of Alliance Blackstone Valley FCU.

In addition, The Gamm is partnering with the RI Council for the Humanities in hosting a series of free interactive events focusing on Western culture, history and politics during the period of the Czech Revolution. This program entitled: "It's Only Rock 'N' Roll or Everything is Dissent Except Shutting Up and Eating S***" features a series of lectures and lively panel discussions, in addition to special essays and a video project now online at gammtheatre.org. Next up: "Ideology, the Arts, and Political Change" on May 9 following the 2pm performance of Rock 'N' Roll. Events are open to the public at no charge, supported in part by the RI Council for the Humanities. Events will be posted at gammtheatre.org, as they are scheduled.

About this Production of Rock 'N' Roll

By Tom Stoppard
Directed by Judith Swift

Set Design by Michael McGarty
Costume Design David T. Howard
Lighting Design by Matthew Terry
Sound Design by Charles Cofone
Technical Direction by Dade Veron
Stage Management by Stef Work*

CAST
Jan, Tony Estrella*
Max, Jim O'Brien*
Esme (younger)/Alice/Pupil, Amanda Ruggiero
Eleanor/Esme (older), Jeanine Kane*
Gillian/Magda/Candida, Karen Carpenter
Nigel/Interrogator, Tom Gleadow
Ferdinand, Steve Kidd*
Lenka, Casey Seymour Kim*
Piper/Policeman/Stephen, Kyle Blanchette
Milan/Waiter, R. Bobby

*Member of Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

Dialect Coach, Wendy Overly; Assistant Director/Dramaturge, Jennifer Madden; Props Master, Katryne Hecht; Assistant Stage Manager, Helen R. Brennan; Production Assistants, Monique Cabana, Rachel Curran, Greg Glomb and Daphne Homen

Founded in 1984 as Alias Stage, the non-profit Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre creates the finest of live theater, engaging The Audience intensely in current and recurrent issues of consequence. The Gamm further serves the public with educational outreach programming designed to support the theatrical experience, and help sustain and enhance the intellectual and cultural life of its community. The Gamm is a member of New England Area Theatre (NEAT), a bargaining unit of the Actors Equity Association.

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