San Jose Rep Presents West Coast Premiere of DISCONNECT, Now thru 4/14

San Jose Rep will leap into the spring season with the truly fresh, thought-provoking play Disconnect. Playwright Anupama Chandrasekhar, a former journalist, was prompted to write the play due to the sense of disconnect she experienced while in India - disconnect between two worlds, disconnect between what is real and not real, disconnect in human relationships, and disconnect in communication. Chandrasekhar will be traveling from India to San Jose Rep to attend the West Coast premiere of her successful play, as well as participating in the Rep's "Insight Night" and other public speaking forums.

"We're thrilled to have Anupama Chandrasekhar come to San Jose Rep to share her voice and experiences on the many topics addressed in her outstanding play," says Rep Artistic Director Rick Lombardo, who is also directing the production. "The story is so timely and relevant for the global economy that we're living in and I'm proud to bring the production to the diverse community of Silicon Valley."

First produced in London's Royal Court, Disconnect made its American debut at Chicago's Victory Gardens and will now take the stage at San Jose Rep, a perfect audience for the Chandrasekhar's intelligent, witty story.

Set in a contemporary call center, the play takes place in Chennai, India. The plot follows the various call center workers, including fortysomething Avinash and young "Supercollector" Ross, as they are renamed and re-branded to chase their "marks," Americans who have failed to pay their credit card bills. In a windowless office, these energetic workers known as the "Illinois team" make calls late into the night utilizing American accents and Americanized names. In order to work toward the alluring American Dream, they target Chicago residents who are crippled in debt from the same lifestyle the workers desire. Roshan, renamed as Ross, creates a central conflict in the play when the "supercollector" gets carried away with fantasies regarding one of his marks in Springfield.

This smart and relevant play depicts the connections and disconnections between economies and peoples on opposite sides of the world with biting humor and candor. Chicago Sun-Times described it as "a play full of fast, brash, funny dialogue," and added that "lurking behind all the comic, instantly recognizable 'office behavior' is a very modern tragedy. And it definitely connects."

Disconnect runs from tonight, March 21 to April 14, 2013 with Press Opening Night on Wednesday, March 27 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are available at the San Jose Rep Box Office at 101 Paseo de San Antonio or can be purchased online at www.SJRep.com or by calling 408.367.7255.

San Jose Rep is the flagship theatre of San Jose and the only fully professional, non-profit theatre company in the South Bay, presenting seven main-stage productions each year. Now in its 32nd year as a major contributor to the South Bay's cultural community, San Jose Rep's mission is to engage, entertain, and inspire people. San Jose Rep produces innovative theatrical performances that offer fresh perspectives into the human condition, educational programs that promote lifelong learning, and outreach initiatives that benefit our diverse community. For more information, visit www.SJRep.com.

The relevant and timely comic-drama Disconnect will make its West Coast premiere at San Jose Rep! Performances of Disconnect run from tonight, March 21 -- April 14, Press Opening Night is Wednesday, March 27, 2013 at 7:30pm.

Artistic Collaborators: Rick Lombardo (Director); Yoon Bae (Scenic); Shannon Sigman (Costumes); Daniel Meeker (Lighting); Steve Schoenbeck (Sound); Laxmi Kumaran (Stage Manager); Stephanie Schliemann (ASM)

Cast: Rajesh Bose* (Avinash); Sharone Sayegh* (Vidya); Imran Sheikh* (Ross); Ray Singh* (Giri); Zeenath "Zee" Shareef* (Jyothi)
*Member of Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States

Performances will play San Jose Repertory Theatre, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose (Between South 2nd & 3rd Streets). Schedule: Previews: March 21-March 26, 2013; Opens: March 27, 2013; Closes: April 14, 2013; Press Opening Night: Wednesday, March 27, 2013 at 7:30 pm

Tickets are $29.00-$74.00. Discounts: Seniors (65 years +), Teachers, and Military - $6 off Regular tickets (all performances, all seats); ADA or ASL discount - $6 off your Regular ticket and your companion's Regular ticket. Single Tickets are non-refundable. Ticketed dates may be exchanged with a fee and at least 48 hours notice. A handling charge $5.00 per ticket is applied on all phone and online orders. *Premium ticket prices are charged on Fri.-Sun. performances of the final 2 weekends of each show.

For tickets and information, call 408.367.7255, visit www.sjrep.com, mail San Jose Rep Box Office, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose, CA 95113, fax 408.367.7236 or visit in person at San Jose Rep Box Office, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose, Calif.

SHOW-RELATED EVENTS:

What: Insight Night: From conception to casting, Insight Nights offer a rare glimpse into the building of a production. Join us as we invite artists and local experts to share their insights into the themes and creative process of our upcoming productions. Playwright Anupama Chandrasekhar is planned to appear via live video feed. It's guaranteed to be an INSIGHT-ful evening.

When: Monday, March 18, 2013, 7-8 pm

Where: Susan and Phil Hammer Theatre Center, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose

Prices: FREE

How: Please RSVP by calling the Box Office at 408.367.7255

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What: Pay What You Will Night is an extensive community outreach program that supports the company's mission of accessibility and affordability of every member of the community. It is also one more way of broadening our audience and the community conversation that surrounds great theatre.

When: Thursday, March 21, 2013, 7:30 pm

Where: Susan and Phil Hammer Theatre Center, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose

Prices: Pay What You Will -- $10 per ticket suggested

How: Tickets are available in person at the Box Office only. Tickets go on sale one week prior to designated performance.

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What: Out 'n' About Night joins members and allies of the LGBT community at a Saturday performance of each production to enjoy fellowship, a personal welcome, and discounts. The San Jose Mercury News Lounge is reserved on those nights for socializing and a meet-and-greet with a San Jose Rep executive.

When: Saturday, March 30, 2012, Doors open at 7pm | 8:00 pm performance

Where: Susan and Phil Hammer Theatre Center, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose

Prices: Included in price of ticket. Use promo code LGBT online.

How: Call the Box Office at 408.367.7255 or online at www.SJRep.com

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What: Afters! takes place in the lobby after Opening Night. It is San Jose Rep's opening night post-show celebration that allows patrons the chance to experience the thrill of opening night with the cast, artistic staff, and fellow theatre-goers.

When: Wednesday, March 27, 2013, following 7:30pm performance

Where: Lower Lobby of the Susan and Phil Hammer Theatre Center, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose

Prices: Included in price of ticket

How: Call the Box Office at 408.367.7255 or online at www.SJRep.com

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What: Post-Show Discussions: Join the cast and artistic staff in a panel discussion about the artistic process behind Disconnect.

When: March 24, 30, April 3, 6, 7, 13, and 14, 2013, after matinee shows

Where: Susan and Phil Hammer Theatre Center, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose

Prices: Included in price of ticket

How: Call the Box Office at 408.367.7255 or online at www.SJRep.com

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What: Creative Playshops: Creative Playshops are held during each Saturday matinee for kids ages 6 to 12 in San Jose Rep's upstairs Studio Theatre. Led by San Jose Rep professionals, these Playshops explore their imagination through interactive theatre activities related to the themes of the play. Just drop the kids off before the show, enjoy the performance, and pick them up afterward.

When: Saturdays, March 30, April 6, and 13, 2013, during matinee shows

Where: Susan and Phil Hammer Theatre Center, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose - 4th Floor Rehearsal Studio

Prices: Single Playshop tickets: $10, Playshop subscriptions: $56

How: Call the Box Office 408.367.7255

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What: ASL-Interpretation: Accessible performance and post-show discussion for our Deaf and hearing-impaired patrons.

When: Saturday, April 13, 2013, 3pm

Where: Susan and Phil Hammer Theatre Center, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose

How: For tickets or info, call the Box Office at 408.367.7255 VOICE

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