Book-It Rep to Present Epic Tale THE BROTHERS K

Book-It Repertory Theatre presents the world premiere of David James Duncan's THE BROTHERS K. Adapted and directed by Book-It Founding Co-Artistic Director Myra Platt, THE BROTHERS K brings it home for the company's 26th season. THE BROTHERS K will play at the Center Theatre from May 3, 2016 - June 26, 2016. Tickets range from $25-$50.

THE BROTHERS K is a sweeping, uplifting tale that spans the middle decades of the 20th century. Duncan examines the lives of the Chance family in Camas, Washington through the interplay of faith and spirituality, war and politics, family, baseball, and love. The story is narrated by Kincaid Chance, the youngest brother of the six children of Hugh "Papa" Chance, a former minor-league baseball player whose once-promising career was cut short by an industrial accident, and his wife Laura (Mama), an increasingly zealous Seventh-Day Adventist. A cast of 26 actors play 83 roles in two full-length parts.

Author David James Duncan was born in Portland, Oregon and lives near Missoula, Montana. He is an American novelist and essayist, best known for his novels, The River Why (1983) and THE BROTHERS K (1992). Both involve fly fishing, baseball, and family. Both received a Pacific Northwest Booksellers award; THE BROTHERS K was a New York Times Notable Book in 1992 and won a Best Books Award from the American Library Association. Book-It staged Duncan's The River Why, also adapted and directed by Myra Platt, for its 2010 season.

Adapter/director Myra Platt (also Book-It Founding Co-Artistic Director)emphasizes her fascination with the big arc of the story: "You grow up with innocence and you have this idea of what the world is supposed to be, and then there is this utter wake up to reality. But there's beauty that can come from it all in terms of knowledge and understanding. There's an incredible opportunity for deeper love, compassion and peace, and I am eager to explore that."

Myra Platt has adapted/directed more than a dozen works for Book-It-most recently Little Bee-and directed more than a dozen others including 2014's The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay, which won the 2014 Gregory Award for Outstanding Production and received a Seattle Times 2014 Footlight Award. In artistic partnership with Book-It company members, she has helped to produce more than 100 world-premiere main stage productions and over 30 education touring productions. She describes the adaptation process as "complex; I'm constantly moving puzzle pieces. THE BROTHERS K spans about 15 years; it's a big novel. To do the book justice, Book-It felt it was imperative that it be presented in two evenings. My goal artistically is that Part One will live with you until you must come back for Part Two and see what happens."

Tickets for THE BROTHERS K range from $25-$50 Purchase online or by calling the box office at (206) 216-0833. There is one pay-what-you-will performance and two previews (per part), and opening night is May 6 for Part One: Strike Zones and May 13 for Part Two: The Left Stuff. Adventurous theatre-goers are urged to see a Double Header -both Part One and Part Two in one day. Performances are generally Wednesday through Sunday. Please see the company's online calendar for specifics.

"Meeting of the Minds," an on-stage interview between author David James Duncan and Myra Platt. takes place Sunday, May 22 at 11:30am at the Center Theatre. Tickets are $50 and proceeds benefit Book-It's artistic endeavors. Seating is limited for this 1.5-hour gathering. Tickets available online orat the box office: 206-216-0833.

As Book-It closes out its 26th Season, they prepare to announce the upcoming 27th season slate of plays for mainstage and touring. Book-It's Arts and Education Program is currently touring Washington state with an adaptation of Flora & Ulysses, by Kate Dicamillo; also the feature of a Family Fun Day performance on May 7, 10:30am. Touring performances may be booked by calling (206) 428-6319.

About Book-It Repertory Theatre - Now in its 26th season, under the consistent leadership of its Founding Co-Artistic Directors Jane Jones and Myra Platt, Book-It is a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming great literature into fully staged theatrical experiences. Embracing a simple, sensitive production aesthetic, the company endeavors to spark imagination and inspire audiences to read. Book-It Repertory Theatre has received a 2010 Mayor's Arts Award and a 2012 Governor's Arts Award, and is the recipient of several Gregory Awards for Outstanding Production over the years. The company's education department-one of Washington's largest-reaches 60,000+ young people and educators annually.

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