The Theatre School at DePaul University Presents THE ERNIE PLAY, Opens 5/6

The Theatre School at DePaul University presents THE ERNIE PLAY, written by Melanie Plank and directed by Shade Murray, as the 2010-2011 New Playwrights Series selection. The production opens Friday, May 6, and runs through Sunday, May 15, 2011, at the Greenhouse Theater Center. Performances are Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 2 PM. Previews are on May 4 and May 5 at 7:30 PM.

On their annual Independence Day road trip, Ernie's family accidentally leaves him behind at a gas station with nothing but a bag of Doritos. What will become of him? Will he reunite with his wife and teenage children? Will the celebrity obsessed station attendance Sarah rescue him from his routine existence, or is it the end of the road for Ernie? A charming and heartbreaking fantasia of the modern American family, THE ERNIE PLAY features the YouTube videos of Andy Warhol, declarations of love by William Shakespeare, the musical stylings of Death's Intern, and the stylishly dressed Death herself.

Admission is FREE but reservations are recommended. Call the Box Office at (312) 922-1999.

New Playwrights Series productions feature a new play written by a current Theatre School student or recent graduate. To learn more about past projects, The New Playwrights Series or the BFA Playwriting curriculum, please visit http://theatreschool.depaul.edu.

The Greenhouse Theater Center is located at 2257 N. Lincoln Ave., in Chicago. The theatre is accessible via public transportation, and street parking is available. For more information please contact the Box Office at (312) 922-1999.

Melanie Plank (Playwright) will graduate in June with her BFA in Playwriting and a minor in Art & Design. Her Theatre School credits include assistant directing THE SKRIKER, directed by Jess Jung; THE CIVIC, written by new playwright Patrick McLean and directed by Sandy Shinner; and YOU NEVER CAN TELL directed by Don Ilko. This will be her third year participating in DePaul's Ten Minute Play Festival at Chicago Dramatists, as well as Wrights of Spring, a series of play readings produced by Theatre School students.

The cast features John Crosthwaite (Ernie), Dave Daniels (George/Shakespeare), Allison Martone (Millie/Death's Intern), Leah Raidt (Ellen/Andy Warhol), Jeannie Saracino (Aunt Katherine), Bridget Schreiber (The Boss/No-Name Cashier), and Margaret Tonra (Sarah).

The staff includes Shade Murray (Director), Alexander Long (Scenic Design), Constance Lee (Costume Design), Jared Gooding (Lighting Design), Mike Ross (Sound Design), and Todd Boger (Stage Management).

An Opening Night Party will be held on Friday, May 6, 2011, following the performance. A post-show discussion with the cast and members of the staff will be held on Thursday, May 12 (7:30 PM).