NARRAGANSETT VALKYRIE to Premiere at Contemporary Theater Company

The Contemporary Theater Company is known for its diverse offerings - this year features everything from The Fantasticks to Macbeth to a full-length improvised farce. This spring they go very "contemporary" with a new play by playwright-in-residence Andy Hoover, Narragansett Valkyrie.

Narragansett Valkyrie follows the only all-female team in a world-wide video gaming competition through joys and betrayals.

"The setting of a video game competition makes the play definitively modern," says Production Manager Maggie Cady, "but the themes and questions it's dealing with are age-old: what are we willing to do for money, power, and prestige? Will we give up friendships, our way of life, our core values?"

The cast includes many local actors and CTC regulars, including Ashley Macamaux, Maggie Papa, Christine Cauchon, Rebecca Magnotta, Charlie Santos, Brendan Kelley, and Riley Cash. The production is directed by Sami Avigdor, who has directed several shows in the CTC's Springboard Season, including Drunk Enough to Say I Love You, The Pillowman, and Set and Drift, also by Andy Hoover.

The Contemporary Theater Company is dedicated to producing new works in addition to well-established plays.

"Premiering new works is key to how the CTC contributes to the cultural life of our community," says Artistic Director Christopher J Simpson. "Narragansett Valkyrie is an engaging story about interesting people in fascinating circumstances, and I'm certain that all audience members will enjoy it."

Andy Hoover has had several other productions staged at the Contemporary Theater Company, including Composition, The Gift of the Magi, and Planet Christmas. Narragansett Valkyrie marks the culmination of his year as Playwright-in-Residence.

"Importantly, this play also looks at gender, friendship, and betrayal, encouraging viewers to consider how our daily interactions are governed by technology, money, and sexism," says Simpson. "Of all of Andy's works, this is clearly the most expansive, and perhaps the most satisfying as well. I'm extremely proud to be involved in this project."

Performances: April 22-23, May 6-7, 12-14 at 7 pm, May 8 at 2 pm

For more information, call the Box Office at 401-218-0282, or check the theater's website at http://contemporarytheatercompany.com.

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