Download for media information, contact

INVISIBLE THEATRE - PRESS RELEASE
Press Contact: Cathy Johnson or Susan Claassen
Administration: (520) 884-0672
Box Office: (520) 882-9721
1400 N. First Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719
[email protected]
www.invisibletheatre.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
IT concludes its 44th Anniversary Season
with Tucson’s Hilarious Whodunit
SHEAR MADNESS
Written by
Paul Portner
Original Director: Bruce Jordan
Original Producers: Marilyn Abrams & Bruce Jordan
Original Adaptors: Marilyn Abrams & Bruce Jordan
April 7 - April 19, 2015
(March 11, 2015, Tucson, Arizona); IT concludes its 44th anniversary season with the Tucson
premiere of SHEAR MADNESS directed by Susan Claassen. This unique comedy-whodunit takes place
today in Tucson’s "Shear Madness" hairstyling salon and stars Eric Anson, Jesse Boone, Robert Encila,
Lori Hunt, Susan Kovitz, and Jack Neubeck. It is chock full of up-to-the-minute spontaneous humor!
During the course of the action, a murder is committed and the audience gets to spot the clues, question
the suspects, and solve the funniest mystery in the annals of crime. The outcome is never the same,
which is why many audience members return again and again to the scene of the mayhem. Over 11
million people worldwide have joined in the fun, and while no one has actually died laughing, some are
still rolling in the aisles.
This production is made possible in part through the generous support of
Sonora Investment Management
"Best Comedy of the Year!"
-Boston Globe
SHEAR MADNESS will play from April 7 - 19, 2015 with the official press opening on Wednesday,
April 8, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. The Invisible Theatre is located at 1400 N. First Avenue (at Drachman),
Tucson, AZ 85719.
The single show ticket price for SHEAR MADNESS is $30. Additional discounts are available for
groups, seniors, active military and students. Rush tickets are available for purchase at half-price one
half hour prior to performance time and are subject to availability.
Tickets are available for purchase by calling the Invisible Theatre Box Office at (520) 882-9721 and are
also available 24/7 on-line through OvationTix at www.invisibletheatre.com.
The running time is 2 hours with an intermission.
Audiences are advised to arrive 30 minutes prior to curtain.
THE INVISIBLE THEATRE
The Invisible Theatre (IT) of Tucson, a 501(c)(3) organization, is dedicated to producing quality
theatre and arts education experiences for all facets of the community in an intimate setting that
showcases local professional talent and guest artists. IT takes its name from the invisible energy
that flows between a performer and audience, creating the magic of theatre. Started in 1971 as an
arena for local playwrights, the theatre has expanded its programs to include adaptations of classics
and recent Off-Broadway plays and musicals, while continuing to encourage new playwrights through
both full productions and stage readings. Under the leadership of Managing Artistic Director Susan
Claassen, Associate Artistic Director James Blair, and Associate Producer Cathy Johnson, IT is
strongly committed to community service and outreach programs. The company's current season
includes a six play Main Stage season, many special events, Project Pastime – an educational
theatre program for the mentally challenged including a video workbook, and seminars that encourage
community dialogue. The Invisible Theatre, the recipient of the first Arizona Theatre Association
Award for Best Producing Theatre Company, is a member of the Theatre Communications Group
and has long enjoyed both local and national recognition for its strong leadership role in the arts
community. Productions take place in an intimate 80-seat converted laundry building. IT celebrates
this season with an even greater commitment to professionalism, artistic excellence, accessibility,
freedom of expression, diverse programming and creative challenge – thus making the Invisible
Theatre a very visible force in Tucson's cultural community.
2
ABOUT SHEAR MADNESS CREATORS
MARILYN ABRAMS (Cranberry Productions), original Co-producer, and BRUCE JORDAN (Cranberry
Productions), original Co-producer/Director, are the owners and creators of SHEAR MADNESS, the
longest-running non-musical play in American theater history. These two New York actors anticipated
the trend for interactive theater and acquired the world (excepting German language) stage, film and
television rights to a murder mystery originally titled Scherenschnitt, written by German playwright Paul
Portner. In 1978 the play made its debut in the U.S. in a summer stock production in Lake George, New
York. Mr. Jordan directed and created the role of Tony Whitcomb, salon proprietor, and Ms. Abrams
created the role of Barbara DeMarco, the gum-chewing manicurist. This exuberant duo oversees the
SHEAR MADNESS productions in Boston and Washington, D.C., while serving as advisers to
companies in cities as diverse as Rome, Athens, Budapest, San Diego, Mexico City, Fort Lauderdale,
Johannesburg, Lisbon, Tel Aviv, Buenos Aires and Madrid. While each occasionally takes time out to
pursue other stage and film work, both make frequent visits to SHEAR MADNESS cities where Mr.
Jordan maintains the artistic quality of the productions and Ms. Abrams handles the sales and
marketing. The 35-year-old Boston company is the longest-running play in American theater history with
the Washington, D.C. production at the John F. Kennedy Center running in second place and the
Chicago company third. The play has been listed in The Guinness Book of World Records and Boston’s
Warrenton Street, location of the historic Charles Playhouse, is officially known as “Shear Madness
Alley”. The Chicago company is the third longest running play in the history of the American theatre,
completing a Shear Madness Theatrical Triple Crown. Other honors include the Mystery Writers of
America Raven Award, The Boston Globe’s Best Comedy of the year, The Chicago Tribune’s Best Play
of the Year, Boston’s Elliot Norton Award, The Los Angeles Dramalogue Award, the USO Award for
Outstanding Contribution in the Theatrical Arts, and The Philadelphia Daily News’ Best Play of the Year.
The play was awarded a special citation at the prestigious Elliot Norton Awards in Boston in 2005 for 25
years of hair-raising hi-jinks that have kept dozens of Boston actors employed and taught a generation
of performers the art of comic timing. In October of 1997, Ms. Abrams and Mr. Jordan were the
recipients of the Charlie Chaplin Comedy Award, given by the National Comedy Hall of Fame, as the
creators of SHEAR MADNESS, the first play ever so honored. In June of 2014 the French production,
Dernier Coup de Ciseaux, received the prestigious Moliere Award for Best Comedy.
ABOUT THE DIRECTOR
SUSAN CLAASSEN is celebrating her 40th anniversary with IT. As Managing Artistic Director, she has
produced over 390 productions and directed over 90 including HANDLE WITH CARE. Suz was
nominated for the 2011 LA Stage Alliance Ovation Award and BroadwayWorld LA Award as Best
Actress for her portrayal of Edith Head in A CONVERSATION WITH EDITH HEAD
(www.edithhead.biz). She was most recently seen as Olive in IT’s OLIVE AND THE BITTER HERBS.
Suz was selected as one of Arizona’s “48 Most Intriguing Women”, is a member of the League of
Professional Theatre Women and has been a clown in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade since 2001.
She has been a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association since 1969 and dedicates her work to the
living memory of her beloved mother, Goldie.
3
ABOUT THE CAST
ERIC ANSON (Eddie) is making his second appearance on the IT stage and IT is thrilled to have him! He was
featured in last season’s OLIVE AND THE BITTER HERBS. Eric has been acting in Tucson theater for over 20
years. Some of his favorite recent performances include playing Ethan in THE ALTRUISTS, Kanaka in PSYCHO
BEACH PARTY, Ken in THE FIFTH OF JULY, Andre in THE DINNER PARTY, Joe in KILLER JOE, Donner in
THE EIGHT REINDEER MONOLOGUES, Knee Pad in ROBOTS VS FAKE ROBOTS, Michael Starkwedder in
THE UNEXPECTED GUEST, and Rocky in THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW. In addition, Eric has
performed many murder mysteries with Act One and children’s theatre (which he loves) with A.C.T. and
Altogether Theater. By day, Dr. Anson is a respected computer scientist!
JESSE BOONE (Mikey) returns to the IT stage after appearing in HANDLE WITH CARE. He also recently
performed in LES MISERABLES with Arizona Onstage Productions and QUEST OF THE CAVEMAN with the
Great American Playhouse. Jesse also acts in short films, full features, and has done several commercials. He
graduates in May from the University of Arizona with degrees in Theatre and Communication. Jesse previously
studied acting at the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, and he will attend the International Academy of
Film and Television in Los Angeles starting in the fall of 2015.
ROBERT ENCILA (Tony) is the founding artistic director of Studio Connections, a non-profit arts organization
dedicated to excellence in performing arts education. A veteran certified teacher of theatre and music, Robert
manages to take an occasional break from the studio/classroom to perform on local and national stages. He has
performed off-Broadway and maintains a regular stint as a soloist with A Jazz Nativity at the Birdland and BB
King’s. Robert has appeared in numerous productions with Borderlands Theater and Arizona Theater Company
and is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association. SHEAR MADNESS marks his final performance in Arizona
as he prepares to relocate Studio Connections to his native Philippines.
LORI HUNT (Barbara) is delighted to be back at IT once again for SHEAR MADNESS, having opened this
season with A KID LIKE JAKE. She was last onstage at Live Theatre Workshop with the one-woman show, 9
PARTS OF DESIRE, and she can also currently be seen in local commercials buying Buicks. She is the recipient
of the 2013 Tucson area MAC award for playing Mindy in Arizona Onstage’s production of FIVE WOMEN
WEARING THE SAME DRESS. Some of her favorite roles have been on IT’s stage, in such shows as FOX ON
THE FAIRWAY (Pamela), THE LETTERS (Anna), and LEAVING IOWA (Character Gal). Lori has trained at the
University of Arizona here in Tucson and at the Groundlings and Upright Citizens Brigade Theatres in Los
Angeles. In her spare time, Lori likes to read, cook, and take long baths, although not all at once.
SUSAN KOVITZ (Mrs. Shubert) made her long overdue IT debut in the 2009 LEAVING IOWA and followed it with
the world premiere of LOOK MA WE’RE DANCING and MOTHERHOOD OUTLOUD She was most recently seen
in OLIVE AND THE BITTER HERBS. Some of Susan’s favorite productions include THE FIFTH OF JULY, LEND
ME A TENOR, 6 RMS RVR VU, THE DINNER PARTY and DON’T DRESS FOR DINNER. A former high school
drama and art teacher, she has also appeared in nearly 100 interactive murder mysteries where she variously
died, killed someone, or brought a murderer to justice. A B.F.A. graduate of Rockford College, Susan also
studied at Regents College in London. When not on stage, Susan is on stage - teaching aerobics and fitness
classes at Canyon Ranch.
JACK NEUBECK (Nick) is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association. After nearly 20 years in and around
New York City, and over 2500 performances on Broadway, including the original Broadway casts of EVITA and
LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, Jack moved to Tucson in 1986 and became part of the IT family in 1989 playing El Gallo
in THE FANTASTICKS. He has been a treasured member of the IT family ever since, performing in such
favorites as LOST IN YONKERS, COOKIN’ WITH GUS, THE REAL INSPECTOR HOUND, IN THE MOOD, THE
FOX ON THE FAIRWAY and most recently OLIVE AND THE BITTER HERBS. Two of his proudest IT highlights
were his collaborations with Susan Claassen and Jeffrey Haskell in ONCE AND FOREVER, a musical tribute to
Irving Berlin, and the startup of SIZZLING SUMMER SOUNDS.
4
FACTS ABOUT SHEAR MADNESS
WHO:
Written by Paul Portner
Original Director: Bruce Jordan
Original Producers: Marilyn Abrams & Bruce Jordan
Original Adaptors: Marilyn Abrams & Bruce Jordan
Directed by Susan Claassen
Starring Susan Kovitz (Mrs. Shubert), Eric Anson (Eddie), Jack Neubeck (Nick),
Lori Hunt (Barbara), Jesse Boone (Mikey) and Robert Encila (Tony)
WHAT:
The Tucson Premiere of SHEAR MADNESS
WHERE:
The Invisible Theatre
1400 N. First Avenue (at Drachman), Tucson, AZ. 85719
WHEN:
Audiences are advised to arrive 30 minutes prior to curtain. Season Ticket Holders will be seated
and then general admission.
Tuesday, 4/7, 7:30 p.m. (Preview)
Wednesday, 4/8, 7:30 p.m. (Opening)
Thursday, 4/9, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, 4/10, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, 4/11, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, 4/12, 3:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 4/15, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, 4/16, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, 4/17, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, 4/18, 3:00 p.m.
Saturday, 4/18, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, 4/19, 3:00 p.m. (Closing)
RUNNING TIME:
2 hours with an intermission
PRODUCTION STAFF:
DIRECTOR: Susan Claassen
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR: James Blair
SET DESIGN: Susan Claassen and James Blair
SOUND DESIGN: Gail Fitzhugh
LIGHT DESIGN: James Blair
PROP DESIGN: James Blair
COSTUME DESIGN: Maryann Trombino
EQUITY STAGE MANAGER: Susan Claassen
STAGE MANAGER: Fred Rodriguez
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER: Josh Hamra
GRAPHIC & PROGRAM DESIGN: Karen Scott & Christine Simpson, Great Scott Design, Inc
5
TO PURCHASE TICKETS OR FOR INFORMATION:
To charge tickets by phone, call the Invisible Theatre Box Office at (520) 882-9721.
Visit the Box Office in the Invisible Theatre Lobby (1400 N First Avenue at Drachman).
To buy tickets online 24/7, go to www.invisibletheatre.com and click on the OvationTix logo.
Visa, M/C, Discover and American Express are accepted.
WHEELCHAIR ACCESS:
The Invisible Theatre is fully accessible to patrons using wheelchairs or with other mobility challenges.
Seating areas to accommodate persons using wheelchairs are located in the theatre. If patrons
require special seating they should inform the Box Office at (520) 882-9721.
ABOUT THIS PRESS RELEASE:
This mailing list is for members of the professional media and allied organizations who have requested
e-mail press releases from The Invisible Theatre. If you no longer wish to receive e-mail press releases
or if there is someone else with your organization that should be added to our list, send a message to
[email protected] with your request, or phone (520) 884-0672.
ONLINE MEDIA MATERIALS:
Available March 23, 2015 at the Media Center, www.invisibletheatre.com.
Invisible Theatre
1400 N. First Avenue at Drachman
Tucson, AZ 85719
Box Office – (520) 882-9721
Administration – (520) 884-0672
Fax – (520) 884-5410
www.invisibletheatre.com
6