Keen Company to Present NY Premiere of Theophilus North

Keen Company will kick off their 2006/07 season with the New York premiere of Theophilus North by Matthew Burnett, based on the novel by Thornton Wilder and directed by Carl Forsman (Everythings Turning Into Beautiful).  The production begins previews on Tuesday, September 5 for a limited engagement through Saturday, October 14.  Opening night is Thursday, September 14 at 8 PM. 

"In the Spring of 1926, 30 year old Theophilus North decides to quit his teaching post in New Jersey and embark on a quest for fun, excitement and his place in the world--until his used car breaks down in Newport, Rhode Island, stranding him in this city of renowned wealth. Insinuating himself into the lives and troubles of Newport's residents, both idle rich and working class, Theophilus hopes to make a difference—but will they return the favor?," state press notes.

Keen Company's production marks the NY premiere of this touching, funny and insightful charmer, adapted from the final novel by the American literary icon Thornton Wilder.  In the 2004/05 season, Keen Company produced a critically acclaimed evening of Wilder one-acts (Pullman Car Hiawatha and Happy Journey to Trenton and Camden), which made Time Out's top 10 year-end list at the close of the season.

The cast for Theophilus North features the New York stage debut of Giorgio Litt as Theophilus. Joining him in the cast is a group of acclaimed NY stage actors: Margaret Daly, Joe Delafield, Brian Hutchison, Virginia Kull, Geddeth Smith, and Regan Thompson.

Theophilus North, Burnett's first full-length play, received its world premiere as a co-production of Arena Stage (Washington, DC) and Geva Theater Center (Rochester, NY), and has since been produced by other regional U.S. theaters.  Theophilus North received a 2004 Helen Hayes Award nomination as Outstanding New Play or Musical, in addition to being selected for the FST-Burdick Festival of New Plays in Sarasota, Florida.  Burnett is also an award-winning actor.

The production will include sets by Beowulf Borritt (Broadway's The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee), lighting by Josh Bradford (2005 Ovation nominee, The Good Thief), and costumes by Theresa Squire (Lt. of Inishmore, High Fidelity). 

"Keen Company is one of New York's most respected young theater companies.  Keen has produced fifteen full-length plays in its six seasons. It has been honored with five Drama Desk Nominations, two Off Broadway transfers, an Obie, and in 2005 a Special Drama Desk Award 'for moving and enlightening audiences with plays that build upon our theatrical heritage.'"

The performance schedule is Tuesday at 7 PM, Wednesday – Saturday at 8:00 PM and Sunday at 2:00 PM, with an additional matinee on Saturday, October 14 at 2 PM. Performances are at Keen Company's new home, the Clurman Theater (410 West 42nd Street, between 9th and 10th Avenues).

Tickets are $40 and are available by calling Ticket Central at 212-279-4200 or visit www.ticketcentral.com.  Keen Company is now performing on an Off Broadway contract.