Mendocino Theatre Company Presents Amy Herzog's 4000 MILES

The Mendocino Theatre Company is pleased to present its summer production, Amy Herzog's heart-warming comic drama 4000 Miles, directed by Betty Abramson. A finalist for the 2013 Pulitzer Prize in Drama, the play is a compassionate and humorous examination of the love of the "family we can choose, the family we can't, and the healing power of trust."

After experiencing a traumatic loss during his bicycle ride across country, 21-year-old Leo Joseph-Connell takes refuge at his leftist grandmother Vera's Greenwich Village apartment to sort things out. Over the next few months, these two unlikely roommates annoy, bewilder, and ultimately reach each other. 4000 Miles pulls us in to show us how two outsiders find their way in today's world.

"Vera, a 91-year-old, lifelong New Yorker, and dyed-in-the-wool card carrying Communist is struggling with the realities of old age. Leo, her grandson, is confronted with the challenges of growing up," explains director Abramson. "The characters share their lives with us in a sensitive and personal way. Though drama is at the heart of their immediate experiences, we get to smile and laugh with them as they successfully, and sometimes not-so-successfully, embark on their journeys."

A talented cast has been assembled for this production. NYC-based actor Jimmy Betts (Luna Gale) returns to play Leo, with MTC veteran Ann Woodhead (Becoming Dr. Ruth) playing grandmother Vera. Joining them is Laurel Livezey (Becky's New Car) as Leo's girlfriend, Bec. Sidney Droz and Heather Gealey, will share the role of Amanda. "I have an amazing cast," says Abramson. "It has been a joy and a pleasure to work with all of them."

The stellar production team includes: Summer Makovkin (set design), Diane Larson (scenic design & design consultant), Dave Gealey (lighting design), Janice Culliford (costume design), Ken Krauss (sound design), Steve Greenwood (technical direction), Jim Gibson (set construction) and Warren Lewis (set construction). The stage manager, George Bishop, will be assisted backstage by Tallulah Fattorusso.

4000 Miles, plays weekends at the Mendocino Theatre Company at 45200 Little Lake Street in Mendocino, August 1 through September 1, Thursdays - Saturdays at 7:30 pm and four Sundays (8/11, 8/18, 8/25, 9/1) at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $25 for adults and $12 for youth 22 and under. Offerings from the theatre's popular lobby bar, featuring the show's signature cocktail, can be enjoyed in the theatre during the performance. For tickets and information, please contact the MTC box office at 707-937-4477 or go to mendocinotheatre.org.

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