Photo Flash: Speed-the-Plow Opening Night in L.A.

Award winning-playwright David Mamet's Speed-the-Plow recently opened at the Geffen Playhouse under the direction of Geffen Playhouse artistic director Randall Arney. Starring Greg Germann, Alicia Silverstone and Jon Tenney, performances run through March 25, 2007.

"Nearly 20 years after its Broadway premiere, the play delves into the world of studio executive Bobby Gould who must choose between green lighting a formulaic prison-breakout drama with a big star attached, and an obscure mystical novel about the end of the world. Gould's dilemma includes making a fortune or wanting 'to do good,'" state notes.

"Mamet's Speed-the-Plow was first presented on May 3, 1988 by Lincoln Center Theatre at the Royale Theater on Broadway, and opened to rave reviews. Directed by Gregory Mosher, the cast included Joe Mantegna (Bobby Gould), Ron Silver (Charlie Fox) and Madonna (Karen). The first Los Angeles production was staged at the Odyssey Theatre in April 1997, directed by Elina de Santo, featuring actors Casey Biggs (Bobby Gould) and Jack Stehlin (playing Charlie Fox)."

As with most Geffen openings, the Westwood opening was a star-studded affair with many stage and screen stars taking in this Hollywood insider show.

Tickets for Speed-the-Plow range from $35 to $69 and can be purchased at the Geffen Playhouse box office, online at www.GeffenPlayhouse.com and through Ticketmaster. The theatre is located at 10886 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles.

Photos by Lee Salem

Camryn Manheim, Alicia Silverstone and David Conrad

Randy Arney, Alicia Silverstone and David Mamet

Jon Tenney, Sharon Lawrence and Randy Arney

Rex Lee

David Mamet and Randall Arney

Greg Germann, David Arquette and Jonathan Silverman

Jon Tenney, Seymour Cassel and Jacqueline Bisset