Hutchinson & Christopher to Star in 'Trumbo' at Barrington Stage

Barrington Stage Company presents the Berkshire Area premiere of Trumbo from February 14 through 24.  Starring Thom Christopher (BSC's A Picasso) and Brian Hutchison (BSC's Wonder of the World), with direction by Julianne Boyd, this stirring drama about the famous blacklisted Hollywood screenwriter Dalton Trumbo will have a press opening on Saturday, February 16 at 8PM.

"Trumbo brings the blacklist to life from the inside -- focusing on what it was like to live in movie industry exile, and the wisdom gained in the aftermath, for one particularly fiery artist.  This riveting Off-Broadway drama by playwright Christopher Trumbo is a homage to the playwright's legendary screenwriter father, Dalton Trumbo, a spirited American who took on Congress, Hollywood, and a fearful nation…and won.  Legendary author of Spartacus, Roman Holiday, Exodus, Papillon, and Johnny Got his Gun, Dalton Trumbo was at the top of his game, when in 1947, he stood up to the House Un-American Activities Committee and was thrown into prison and blacklisted as one of the infamous 'Hollywood Ten.' In a script born from his brilliant and razor-sharp letters to family, friends and former friends, Trumbo is a fascinating, funny, yet chilling retelling of one man's struggle to defend his freedom, his family and his livelihood during the McCarthy era," explain press notes.

Emmy Award-winning actor Thom Christopher returns to BSC following his acclaimed performance as Pablo Picasso in "A Picasso."  Daytime television viewers have seen him on "The Edge of Night," "Guiding Light," "Loving" (Emmy nomination) and especially "One Life to Live" (for which he won an Emmy Award).  His Broadway credits include "Caesar and Cleopatra," "Noel Coward in Two Keys" (Theatre World Award) and "Emperor Henry IV."  Off-Broadway credits include "Tamara – The Living Movie," "The Changeling" at TFANA and "The Triumph of Love" at CSC.  Regional credits include "King Lear" at Portland Center Stage, "Zorba" at Berkshire Theatre Festival, Williamstown Theatre Festival, North Shore Music Theatre, and the Actors Theatre of Louisville.  Fans of Sci-Fi TV will remember Christopher for his performance as Hawk in "Buck Rogers in the 25th Century."  Other television credits include "Law & Order," "Murder She Wrote," "TJ Hooker," "Simon and Simon."

Brian Hutchison, who made his BSC debut in "Wonder of the World," is currently starring in The Flea Theatre production of "Oh, the Humanity...and other exclamations" through February 2.  Last summer he was in "The Front Page" at Williamstown Theater Festival.  Broadway: "The Invention of Love" and "Proof."  Off-Broadway credits include "Mr. Marmalade" (Roundabout), "People Be Heard" (Playwrights Horizons), "Indoor/Outdoor" (Summer Play Festival, DR2 Theatre), "The Hiding Place" (Atlantic Theater), "Theophilus North" and "Can't Let Go" (Keen Company), "She Stoops to Conquer" (Irish Rep), and "Seven Rabbits on a Pole" (Urban Stages).  Recent regional theatre credits include "The Unmentionables" and "Black Snow" (both at Yale Rep), "Burn This" and "The Rivals" (Huntington Theatre), and "Role Play" (Pittsburgh Public).  Old Globe: several productions including "All My Sons," "Blue/Orange" and "The Hostage."  Film and TV credits include the upcoming "Ghostown," "Dealbreaker" (Sundance 2006), and guest appearances on "Hope & Faith," "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," and "Criminal Intent." MFA Old Globe/USD.

BSC will present Trumbo for one night only at the Venable Theater, MCLA (North Adams) on Wednesday, February 20 at 7pm; tickets are $25.

Following the February 21 performance of Trumbo, Alan Chartock President and CEO of WAMC Radio and noted Berkshire Eagle columnist, will host a post-show talkback.

Barrington Stage Company is located at 30 Union Street, in Pittsfield.  For tickets, call 413-236-8888 or purchase online at www.barringtonstageco.org.

Trumbo performance schedule and ticket prices: Thursday, February 14, 7pm (preview) $15; Friday, February 15, 8pm (preview) $15; Saturday, February 16, 8pm (Press Opening) $25; Sunday, February 17, 3pm $25; Wednesday, February 20, 7pm, at MCLA's Venable Theater, $25; Thursday, February 21, 7pm $25; Friday, February 22, 8pm $25; Saturday, February 16, 4pm $15; Saturday, February 23, 8pm $25; and Sunday, February 24, 3pm $25.  $10 student (21 years and under) tickets available for all performances except Saturday evening.