Actor's Choice to Present Susan-Lori Parks' TOPDOG/UNDERDOG, 1/10-20

Actor's Choice starts the new year with Suzan-Lori Parks' highly celebrated play depicting the adult lives of two African-American brothers, Lincoln and Booth, as they cope with women, work, poverty, gambling, racism, and their troubled upbringings.

The production will play the Henry Clay Theatre, 604 South Third St., Louisville, January 10 - 13 & 17 - 20. The show runs at 7:30 p.m. Thursday - Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday matinees. Cost: $20 general admission; $17 for Seniors and Students. Tickets: (502) 495-8358.

Topdog/Underdog debuted at The Public Theatre in 2001 starring Don Cheadle and Jeffrey Wright. It enjoyed an extended run on Broadway in 2002 with Mos Def joining Wright in one of the two roles.

The play has been characterized as a deconstruction of this country's uneasy relationship with race and history through the relationship of two brothers who were abandoned by both of their parents while they were still in their teens. Veering from dark comedy to bittersweet familial dynamics, the play takes its audience on an hilarious and heartbreaking journey.

"We are extremely pleased to present this important work," said Actor's Choice Producing Director Mike Seely, "especially during the time when our community will be celebrating the birthday of famed civil rights leader Martin Luther King. This play helps to demonstrate the need for vigilance and the fact that some jobs are never done."

Under the direction of Kathi E. B. Ellis, the Actor's Choice production of Topdog/Underdog features Keith McGill and Brian Lee West as the brothers. Said Ellis, "I've loved 'Topdog/Underdog' since its Broadway production and have wanted to direct it ever since. It's been worthwhile waiting for the right combination of actors to do this script."

SOURCE: Louisville Culture Vulture