PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
September 21, 2005
Todd Fraser
The Fraser Group
310/ 278.2630
COLLECTED STORIES RETURNS TO LOS ANGELES - Pulitzer Prize Finalist And L.A.
Ovation Award Winner Presented By Acclaimed MagnaCarta Theatre Company
(September 21, 2005 –
North Hollywood, CA) – The acclaimed MagnaCarta Theatre
Company, in association with Crave Productions,
announced today the performance dates for Collected Stories, the
provocative 1997 Pulitzer Prize Award for Drama finalist written by
Donald Margulies.
Directed by Jessica Zweiman and starring Jayne Taini
and
Karen Zumsteg,
Collected Stories opens
for an initial six-week run on October 7th, 2005 and will be
presented at the noted Deaf West Theatre* in North Hollywood, CA.
Collected Stories, last seen in Los Angeles in 1999 when it won the L.A. Ovation Award for Best Production of a Play, is a sometimes whimsical, sometimes brutal but always poignantly honest portrayal of two women struggling to make their mark in the world. Ruth, a respected short-story writer and teacher in her mid-fifties and Lisa, a talented 26 year-old graduate student and aspiring writer find themselves caught up in a dance of mentor and protégé, as the play explores the rules of friendship, respect, honesty and personal strength.
Now entering its fourth season, the non-profit MagnaCarta Theatre Company, whose most recent production of Lisa Kron’s 2.5 Minute Ride received widespread critical acclaim, continues its tradition of producing thought-provoking theatre works utilizing a permanent ensemble and guest artists. Collected Stories, called one of “The Year’s Best” by esteemed theatre critic Clive Barnes of the New York Post, certainly created an impact on Director Jessica Zweiman, who first saw the production, which starred Debra Messing and Maria Tucci, at the famed Manhattan Theatre Club in 1997. “I remember walking out of the theatre with laughter, sadness, regret, contemplation, all the emotions we work towards on stage.” Zweiman, the current Artistic Director of the MagnaCarta Theatre Company goes on to say, “I felt a responsibility to get inside this work and bring these provocative words to as many people as possible.” Echoing those sentiments, Producer Cheryl Rave of Crave Productions adds, “The play explores universal themes with a fresh point of view, offering opinions from both sides f the age spectrum. A work like this, performed by such skilled actors, reminds me why theater is important.”
The character of “Ruth,” the famed short-story writer in the production, is played by veteran stage actor Jayne Taini who has performed extensively on Regional, National and International stages. Most recent television roles include The Practice, ER and The Brotherhood of Poland, NH, NYPD Blue, Without a Trace, LOST, NUMB3RS, and 6 Feet Under. She will soon be seen in the feature film The Mogels starring Jeff Bridges.
A native of Wilmington, Delaware, Karen Zumsteg, in the role of the aspiring writer and student “Lisa,” is a product of the Larry Moss Studio and is appearing in her second MagnaCarta production, last appearing in “Lusting After Pipino’s Wife.” Recent film projects include the independent feature Pope Dreams with Julie Hagerty and Stephen Tobolowsky, and the starring role in the latest short film from Project Greenlight directors Kyle Rankin and Efram Potelle.
Collected Stories runs from October 7th through November 13th and plays at the Deaf West Theatre*, located at 5112 Lankershim Blvd. in North Hollywood, CA. The production will be presented on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights beginning at 8:00 P.M. with a Sunday matinee at 3:00 P.M. General admission tickets are $20.00 and $15.00 for students and seniors on selected performances. Scenic Design is by Christina Hulen, Lighting Design by Cricket Sloat and Sound Design is by David Zumsteg.
For further information on Collected Stories and the MagnaCarta Theatre Company, please go to www.magnacartatheatre.org.
Please note: This is not a Deaf West
Theatre production and is not presented in American Sign Language.
For more information, online ticketing and reservations visit magnacartatheatre.org
# # #
FOR THE CALENDAR
WHAT: Collected Stories, a 1997 Pulitzer Prize finalist and 1999 L.A. Ovation Award winner for Best Production of a Play, is a sometimes whimsical, sometimes brutal but always poignantly honest portrayal of two women struggling to make their mark in the world. Ruth, a respected short-story writer and teacher in her mid-fifties and Lisa, a talented 26 year-old graduate student and aspiring writer find themselves caught up in a dance of mentor and protégé, as the play explores the rules of friendship, respect, honesty and personal strength. Powerfully presented by the acclaimed MagnaCarta Theatre Company, Collected Stories reveals a rare humanity that resonates deeply with appreciative audiences.
WHO:
Collected Stories
Produced by MagnaCarta Theatre Company in association with Crave Productions
Written by Donald Margulies
Directed by Jessica Zweiman
WHEN: Opening Weekend Gala Benefit Performances (includes a champagne, wine & hors d’oeuvre reception following each show) -- 8 pm -- Fri., October 7, 2005, Sat.; October 8, 2005; 3 pm – Sun., October 9, 2005
Remaining shows through November 13, 2005
8 pm -- Thursdays through Saturdays; 3 pm Sundays
2 hours running time – with 1 intermission
ADMISSION: $30 Opening Weekend Gala Benefit Performances.
$20 General admission
Discounts for seniors, students, groups of 10 or more & AEA members
WHERE:
Deaf West Theatre
5112 Lankershim Blvd.
North Hollywood, CA 91601-3717
HOW: Seat reservations are required. Call 818/ 450.0775 or reserve on line at magnacartatheatre.org Tickets available at the theater box office subject to availability.
MEDIA: Media Opening at 8 pm on Fri., October 7; Sat., October 8 and 3 pm Sunday October 9
champagne, wine & hors d’oeuvre reception immediately following each performance.
CONTACT: Todd Fraser
The Fraser Group
310/ 278.2630
PROMO PICS
"Collected Stories" Artwork
"Collected Stories" Postcard (front)
"Collected Stories" Postcard (back)
"Collected Stories" Poster
Jessica Zweiman, Director
