San Diego Theatre Connection Announces THE THIRD WAVE at Patio Playhouse

A high school experiment spirals out of control in Joseph Robinette and Ron Jones' The Third Wave, played to perfection in Escondido's Patio Playhouse Youth Theater. This production (cast primarily with local youth, but with three adults playing the adult roles) is, chillingly enough, based on a true story.

Set in 1967, the play centers around a young, popular teacher who tries to demonstrate the roots of fascism by giving his students an exercise in discipline not unlike that of a totalitarian society. Shockingly, the students delight in the order and power of that discipline, and relinquish their freedom in favor of their supposed "superiority" over other students in the school. The class adopts the name "The Third Wave," and soon many others, even from neighboring schools, clamor to be part of the "elite" group.

Patio's intimate Grand Avenue theater is transformed into the classroom and gym of Cubberley High in this production of The Third Wave, which features the talents of youth actors Molly Abrom (Eve), Moises Alvarenga (Fred), Scott Bedford (Robert), Audrey Cone (Toni), Kenny Cone (Danny), Nathan Cone (Norman), Ralph Cone (Marcus), Rayne Gonzalez (Jean), Josh Henson (Doug), Belle Morelock (Brenda), Kateri Reape (GG), Carley Rhinehart (Alene), Izaiah Rhinehar (EZC), Wyatt Rhinehart (Bomber), Ali Rohrbaugh (Wendy), Jazmin Sanchez (Maria), Paige Townsend (Alicia), and Amara Young (Deshay), and adult actors Lee Howeth (The Man), Raul Kohl (Mr. Jones), and Laurissa Rudgers (Mrs. Jones).

The 50th Anniversary of the experiment coincidentally lands on a specially scheduled April 5th field trip performance date, and Patio Playhouse is honored to welcome Mark Hancock, one of the original students that participated in the social experiment, to speak firsthand with performance attendees at that event, as well as during scheduled talk-back events following the performances on April 7th, 8th, and 9th.

Patio Playhouse's The Third Wave is proud to be partnering with the San Diego Theatre Connection to support the Spring Forward Food Drive (benefiting The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank) by running a collection station in the lobby of the theater for the duration of the show. This drive is intended to raise resources and awareness towards the mission of the food bank, helping to provide meals to families in need throughout San Diego County via the provision of shelf-stable food items and funds to purchase said items. Patrons are encouraged to bring shelf-stable food items to benefit local families or to donate online via the web portal. For more information on the food bank and our Spring Forward Food Drive, click bit.ly/SDTCDonateNOW.

Other special events during the run of the show will include an Opening Night Afterglow, where attendees are welcome to join our cast and production team in celebrating our opening, and unique talk-back opportunities with Mark Hancock following the performances on April 7-9.

Performances of The Third Wave will began Friday, March 31 and continue through Saturday, April 15. Friday and Saturday evening performances are at 7 p.m. with afternoon performances on Sundays at 2:00 p.m, with the exception of Saturday April 15th; on that day, the closing performance of the run will commence at 2 p.m. (no performance will take place at 7 p.m. on the 15th). Please note that this show contains strong dramatic themes that may not be suitable for younger children.

All shows will be presented at Patio Playhouse, located at 116 South Kalmia Street, Escondido (between Vinz Wine Bar and Continental Deli). Tickets for this production are available for the cost of $12 for Adults and $8 for Youth 16 and under. Group rates are available for groups of 10 or more. For reservations, contact the Patio Playhouse box office at 760-746-6669, email, or via the website at www.patioplayhouse.com. Directed by Geoffrey A. Cox. Produced by Peggy Schneider.

Patio Playhouse is Escondido's only community theater. Established in 1967, Patio Playhouse is located in the heart of Escondido and puts on a full season of entertaining, varied performances, including musicals, adult dramas and comedies, and a unique fee-free youth theater model which introduces live theatre to children through performance/crew opportunities and school performances. Patio Playhouse is an independent, all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

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