Playwright Paul Downs Colaizzo to Visit Black Lab Theatre to Discuss His Play REALLY REALLY, 4/25

By: Apr. 23, 2014
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Playwright Paul Downs Colaizzo will come to Houston to talk to area high school students and speak to theater go-oers about his work and inspiration for the critically acclaimed Off-Broadway play "Really Really" on April 25th, host Black Lab Theatre announced Tuesday.

Dubbed "Lord of the Flies with smartphones" by the New York Times and "an explosive look at Generation Me" by the Washington Post, Really Really follows the hazy aftermath of a wild campus party at an elite university. Mr. Colaizzo is considered one of the key artistic voices of the Millennial Generation and captured the essence of the darker, destructive side of "hook up" culture in his controversial play. Colaizzo will begin his visit to Houston with a meeting with high school students at The Kinkaid School and then conduct a talk-back session with audience members at the April 25 performance of Really Really. Really Really is being produced by Black Lab Theatre at Frenetic Theater April 17 through May 3 at 8pm on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

Colaizzo is currently writing on staff on the new HBO drama Open developed by Ryan Murphy, creator of hit series Glee and Nip/Tuck.

"Really Really is one of the most important, provocative dramas that has been written about millenials by a millennial," notes Jordan Jaffe, Black Lab Theatre artistic director whose 2012-2013 season was praised for welcoming "challenging and pertinent productions" to Houston. "I am glad to work with The Kinkaid School to bring Paul to Houston to discuss his work and his insights into 'Generation Me'." Adds Jaffe, "Houston is growing as an important, national cultural center, and our audiences need to stay in touch with thought leaders in the arts. Paul Downs Colaizzo is a writer we will be hearing about in the years to come"

Jaffe says he selected Really Really as the culmination of his 2013-2014 season because the play provides a no holds barred indictment of his generation and brings to life the selfish and self-serving attitude tags associated with excessive alcohol use prevalent among high school and college students today. "I think audiences will appreciate the difficult and dark places Paul goes to make his point."

Black Lab Theatre's production of Really Really is directed by Jaffe, and features Teresa Zimmerman, Scott Gibbs, Rachel Rubin, Blake Weir, Chelsea Sarratt, Dominique Lechampion, and James Monaghan. Founded in 2011 by Rice University graduate Jordan Jaffe, Black Lab Theatre focuses on bringing newer, socially conscious shows to audiences in fresh and innovative ways.

General admission tickets are available for each show as well as season ticket packages. Tickets may be purchased at the door, by phone or via www.blacklabtheatre.com. Prices: $25 general, $20 senior, $15 under 30, $12 Students. Box office number: 713-515-4028 For more information visit www.blacklabtheatre.com, www.facebook.com/BlackLabTheatre or www.twitter.com/BlackLabTheatre.



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