San Diego Repertory Theatre's RAPTURE, BLISTER, BURN Opens Tonight

San Diego Repertory Theatre (San Diego REP) presents "Rapture, Blister, Burn," the 2013 Pulitzer Prize finalist hit comedy from "House of Cards" writer Gina Gionfriddo, for its sixth and final show of the 40th anniversary season. REP Co-Founder and Artistic Director Sam Woodhouse directs this play that the New York Times calls "intensely smart and immensely funny," and has been called "a smart, funny, and lightning-paced look at feminism" by New York Daily News. The show's run began on Thursday, April 21, 2016 and plays through Sunday, May 15, 2016 with an opening night tonight, April 27, 2016 at 7 p.m. in the Lyceum Space Theatre at San Diego REP in Horton Plaza.

"The multiple waves of the feminist movement in America and the social backlashes that followed each have been part of my life since I first went to college in the 1960's," says Woodhouse. "In 2016, by all reports, there is a dramatic rise in interest on campuses throughout the country as to what contemporary feminism actually is today in the 21st century. 'Rapture, Blister, Burn' is a brilliantly written play which dives deep and wide into the conversation with much wit and social commentary that is a delight to witness."

Single tickets are now on sale and begin at $33. Student tickets for $20 are also available for all performances. Tickets can be purchased online at SDRep.org, by phone at 619-544-1000 or by visiting the box office at 79 Horton Plaza, San Diego, CA 92101.

"Rapture, Blister, Burn" centers on three generations of women, girlfriends Catherine and Gwen, who chose dramatically different paths after graduate school. Catherine built a career as a rock-star academic. Gwen became a homemaker. Decades later, when Catherine returns home to live with her ailing mother, each woman covets the other's life. And so commences a radical game of musical chairs-the prize being Gwen's Peter Pan-like husband, Don.

Catherine starts hosting a weekly seminar on feminist theory. Her students are her mother Alice, Gwen and a sexually-free college student named Avery. Martinis and debate begin to flow. Three generations of American women try to decide how women's lives have and have not changed since the 1970s. They find themselves swimming in a full range of philosophies and choices as they search for that elusive goal... happiness.

Hailed as a "genius" by Variety for her writing, Gina Gionfriddo is an award-winning playwright and television writer, most notably for her work on the Netflix series, "House of Cards." Her play "Becky Shaw" was also a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Drama. She has received an Obie Award, the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize, the Helen Merrill Award for Emerging Playwrights and a Guggenheim Fellowship.

Paige Lindsey White and Jenn Paredes will take on the two women at the center of this critically acclaimed play. White, playing "Catherine," has worked in many theatres across the nation, including South Coast Rep ("Abundance"), Pasadena Playhouse ("Pygmalion"), Boston Court Theatre ("Richard II") and more. Paredes, a graduate of University of San Diego and a San Diego native, takes on "Avery." She originated the role of "September" in "September and her Sisters" at Scripps Ranch Theatre and has also worked with the Playwrights Project and ion Theatre in addition to multiple film credits. Joining them will be Sandy Campbell ("Zhivago," "A Little Night Music") as "Gwen," Shawn Law (TV's "Grimm," "Criminal Minds") as "Don," and Susan Denaker ("My Fair Lady," "Emilie," "In The Heights") as "Alice."

The creative team also includes Robin Sanford Roberts (Scenic Designer), Jennifer Brawn Gittings (Costume Designer), Lonnie Alcaraz (Lighting Designer), Kevin Anthenill (Sound Designer), Heather M. Brose (Stage Manager), James Ramirez (Assistant Stage Manager), Stephanie French (Assistant Director/Dramaturg), Dawn Moore (Dramaturg) and Jacole Kitchen (Casting Director).

Gina Gionfriddo (Playwright) is an award-winning playwright and accomplished television writer. Her play "Rapture, Blister, Burn" was a finalist for the 2013 Pulitzer Prize in Drama. The show had a twice-extended run off-Broadway at Playwrights Horizons and also recently had a successful run at the Hampstead Theatre in London. Gionfriddo's play "Becky Shaw," also a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Drama, enjoyed a long off-Broadway run at Second Stage (Outer Critics Circle Award) and in London at the Almeida Theatre, where it received two Evening Standard Award nominations. Her other plays include "After Ashley" (Vineyard Theatre, Obie Award), "U.S. Drag" (Clubbed Thumb and the stageFARM), "Squalor" and "America's Got Tragedy" (one-acts at the stageFARM) and "Guinevere" (O'Neill Playwrights Conference). Gionfriddo received a Guggenheim Fellowship in Playwriting, as well as the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize, the Helen Merrill Award for Emerging Playwrights and an American Theatre Critics Association/Steinberg Citation. She has worked as a writer and producer for "Law & Order" and "Law & Order: Criminal Intent," and as a writer for "Cold Case." Her other TV work includes "Borgia" and "House of Cards." Gionfriddo is a graduate of Barnard College and Brown University's MFA playwriting program. She has taught at Brown University and Providence College.

Sam Woodhouse (Director) co-founded San Diego REP with D.W. Jacobs in 1976, and has since worked as a director, producer or actor on more than 260 productions. As an actor, he has performed on The REP stages in "The Seafarer," in the title role of "King Lear," "Proof," "Hamlet," and with the San Diego Symphony Orchestra in the title role of Stravinsky's "L'Histoire du Soldat." His recent directorial work with The REP includes: "The Oldest Boy," "Violet," "Oedipus El Rey," "Honky," "El Henry" (with La Jolla Playhouse), "Detroit," "Venus in Fur," "In the Heights," "Federal Jazz Project," "Clybourne Park," "The Who's TOMMY," "In the Next Room or the vibrator play," "Threepenny Opera" and "Water & Power." In 2011, he directed "American Night: The Ballad of Juan José" for the Denver Center Theatre Company. In 2003, he was awarded the Patté Shiley Award for Lifetime Achievement by KPBS and the prestigious Alonzo Award by the Downtown San Diego Partnership. In 2006, he and Jacobs were honored with the Craig Noel Award by the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle for 30 years of artistic dedication to downtown and diversity.

Tickets range from $33 to $66 and can be purchased in-person at the San Diego REP Box Office, by calling 619-544-1000, or online at sdrep.org. Active military, teacher and senior discounts are available. Student tickets are available for all performances for just $20 each. Prices subject to change.

Location:

Lyceum Space
San Diego Repertory Theatre
79 Horton Plaza
San Diego, CA 92101-6144

San Diego Repertory Theatre is pleased to announce that work is in progress on a $3 million renovation of The Lyceum Theatres, including the lobby, concession, restrooms and Lyceum Stage Theatre. The remodel work is occurring in phases. Estimated completion is January 2017.

During construction, San Diego REP patrons will be able to access all normal amenities of The Lyceum Theatre complex. Ample parking will still be available in the Horton Plaza parking garage and the Box Office, elevators, restrooms and concession areas will be easily accessible unless otherwise noted. San Diego REP's House Management staff will keep patrons updated on renovation activities with signage posted in and around the facility as well as send e-mail communications to maintain the venue experience. For additional information, please contact the Box Office at 619-544-1000 or visit sdrep.org.

ENGAGEMENT EVENTS SCHEDULE AS OF MAR. 24, 2016

Calling all curious souls to join us for these fabulous free events. Due to the construction renovations taking place at San Diego Repertory Theatre, our new Engagement Events will take place at various locations in San Diego County, as well as the Lyceum Theatre. San Diego REP's House Management staff will keep guests updated on renovation activities with signage posted in and around the facility to maintain the venue experience. Patrons are also encouraged to sign up for e-mail alerts about REP productions and construction updates. Visit sdrep.org to register.

REP Exposed

BREAKFAST SNEAK PEEK AT A PLAY IN THE MAKING

SATURDAY, APRIL 9 @10AM-11AM

1616 INDUSTRIAL BLVD, SUITE 100, CHULA VISTA, CA 91911

Join us for a continental breakfast at our creative studio in Chula Vista, 17 minutes south of downtown San Diego. Enjoy an exclusive first look at the "work in progress" on the design elements for the production of Rapture, Blister, Burn. Investigate the model and drawings of the set, preview the costumes and hear music created for the show. Let REP Artists and Artisans be your guide to a sneak peek at this play in the making!

TALKIN' THEATRE WITH TODD: THE LIFE OF AN ACTRESS

THURSDAY, APRIL 21 @7PM BEFORE THE 8PM SHOW

A life in the theatre for an actress has special challenges. REP Associate Artistic Director, TODD SALOVEY speaks with five of San Diego's most acclaimed actresses about their lives and work. DEANNA DRISCOLL (Bad Dates, Superior Doughnuts), ROSINA REYNOLDS (Uncanny Valley, Doubt), ROXANE CARRASCO (In the Heights, Manifest Destinitis), ELLEN CRAWFORD (Outside Mullingar) and AMANDA SITTON (The Oldest Boy, Doubt) share stories of their lives on and off the stage.

FEMINISTS ON THE FOREFRONT: NEW POSSIBILITIES FOR LIFE, LOVE AND CAREER

TUESDAY, APRIL 26 AFTER THE 7PM SHOW

Are you wondering how the provocative ideas in tonight's show resonate in the contemporary Feminist landscape? We are. After the show join a conversation with women who have thought much about the question: Rapture, Blister, Burn Associate Director STEPHANIE FRENCH , Associate Professor of Women's Studies at SDSU, DR. DOREEN MATTINGLY and students from the SDSU Women's Studies program.

SAM'S SALON: THE TRUTH ABOUT BEING A FEMINIST TODAY

THURSDAY, APRIL 28 @7PM BEFORE THE 8PM SHOW

How do you define a word/movement/philosophy that is constantly evolving? Who does feminism belong to? Join Artistic Director SAM WOODHOUSE for a conversation about what it means to be a feminist today. Sam's guests are: KRIZIA PUIG, Women's Studies Graduate Student at SDSU and Graduate Coordinator of SafeZones@SDSU; KIM SONTAG-MULDER, President of the San Diego chapter of the National Organization for Women (NOW); and MEREDITH VEZINA, Transgender Activist, Historian and Documentary Filmmaker.

MEET THE ARTISTS

FRIDAY, APRIL 29 AFTER THE 8PM SHOW

After the show, join the cast of Rapture, Blister, Burn for an open discussion of the work onstage. Bring your questions and comments! Hosted by The REP's Casting Director JACOLE KITCHEN

OPEN HOUSE & BACKSTAGE TOURS WITH THE REP AT THE LYCEUM

SATURDAY, APRIL 30 @1PM-3PM

The Lyceum Theatre is an underground creative playground. Here is your chance to go backstage and see our work from the point of view of the performer and stagehand. Hosted guided tours will begin every 20 minutes. Take a rare look into the backstage world, enjoy complimentary coffee and desserts, special offers and a gift from The REP!

Cheers & Community Nights

OPENING NIGHT PARTY

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27 AFTER THE 7PM SHOW

After the opening night performance, join the cast, crew and REP family to celebrate at a nearby downtown restaurant. Grab a drink and a bite to eat, enjoy great music and mingle with the artists, patrons and fans.

REP YOUR PRIDE: SAN DIEGO HUMAN DIGNITY FOUNDATION

SUNDAY, MAY 1 @6PM AFTER THE 7PM SHOW

San Diego Human Dignity Foundation is the sole community foundation in our region dedicated to the benefit of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. SDHDF funds programs and projects that promote equal treatment, tolerance, wellness, well-being and human dignity. After the show, enjoy a glass of wine on stage and meet SDHDF Board member PEGGY WALKUSH to learn more about SDHDF's BCause Fund and find out how the Foundation is helping to educate the LGBT Community in the fight against breast cancer.

THE (TRUE) HISTORY OF FEMINISM IN SAN DIEGO

SUNDAY, MAY 8 @1PM BEFORE THE 2PM SHOW

ASHLEY GARDNER, Executive Director of the Women's Museum of California, hosts a conversation about the history and future of the Women's Movement in San Diego. Her guests are: Associate Professor of Women's Studies DR. DOREEN MATTINGLY; Past President of the Board at the Women's Museum of California ANNE HOIBERG; SDSU Women's Studies Graduate Student EMMA FULLER; and former Unites States Congresswoman LYNN SCHENK. (25% of all single ticket sales for this performance will go to benefit the programming of the Women's Museum of California.)

CHAI NIGHT AT THE REP

WEDNESDAY, MAY 11 AFTER THE 7PM SHOW

Established more than 100 years ago, this charitable organization specializes in the development of land and infrastructure in Israel, especially tree planting. Join JEWISH NATIONAL FUND San Diego Director AMY HART for a glass of kosher wine and snacks on stage after the show. (25% of all single tickets sold for this performance will benefit the JEWISH NATIONAL FUND.)

Chai Night at The REP is Sponsored by L'CHAIM MAGAZINE

FREE BEER FRIDAY ONSTAGE

FRIDAY, MAY 6 & FRIDAY, MAY 13 AFTER THE 8PM SHOW

How about a free beer on us ON THE STAGE of Rapture, Blister, Burn? After the show join the cast and crew for a beer from one of San Diego's award-winning breweries.

Free Beer Fridays are Sponsored by SAN DIEGO READER

Extending the Art

GALLERY ON THE GO AT THE WOMENS' MUSEUM

LIBERTY STATION

2730 HISTORIC DECATUR ROAD, BARRACKS 16 SUITE 103

FRIDAY, MAY 6 @6PM-8PM

The WOMEN'S MUSEUM OF CALIFORNIA strives to educate and inspire current and future generations about the experiences and contributions of women by collecting, preserving and interpreting the evidence of that experience. Take a closer look at local history to discover the remarkable women who have impacted San Diego. Also, check out the In Style with Tile: The 15th Annual Mosaic Arts International Exhibition on view. Afterwards, take a stroll and discover the amazing diversity of "Friday Night Liberty," a monthly first Friday evening of FREE open artist studios, galleries and events at NTC Liberty Station.

San Diego Repertory Theatre (San Diego REP) produces intimate, exotic, provocative theatre. Founded in 1976, San Diego Repertory Theatre is downtown San Diego's resident theatre, promoting a more inclusive community through work that nourishes progressive political and social values and celebrates the multiple voices of our region. The company produces and hosts over 300 events and performances year-round on its three stages at the Lyceum Theatre. Since moving to the Lyceum, The REP has produced 45 main stage productions by Latino playwrights, and more than 40 world premieres. The company has received more than 200 awards for artistic excellence from the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle, Patté Theatre Awards, NAACP, Backstage West, Dramalogue and StageSceneLA. In 2005, the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle presented The REP with the Craig Noel Award "For 30 Years of Artistic Dedication to Downtown and Diversity." San Diego Repertory Theatre feeds the curious soul. To learn more about San Diego Repertory Theatre, to purchase tickets, or make a donation, visit www.sdrep.org. Join us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/sandiegorep) and follow us on Twitter (@SanDiegoREP).

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