Know Theatre of Cincinnati Presents Pluto by Steve Yockey

Know Theatre is a proud participant in this world premiere production of Steve Yockey's daring new work, Pluto. Yockey's powerful script explores tragedy, loss, and the ways in which love shifts our perception. He creates a world that mixes a contemporary setting with mythological elements, balancing painful drama and cathartic humor.

In the wake of a violent tragedy at a local community college, single mother, Elizabeth, struggles to reconnect with her withdrawn son, Bailey, across the breakfast table. Continually interrupted by a talkative three-headed dog, an animated refrigerator, and a radio gone haywire, time is running short for mother and son to deal with the morning's events. As mysterious forces threaten to break into their kitchen, Bailey and Elizabeth struggle to find an understanding that will allow them to move forward with their lives.

Know Theatre's producing artistic director, Eric Vosmeier says, "Pluto promises to be one of my favorite shows. The cast is phenomenal, and we're thrilled to welcome Jason Bruffy, former artistic director of Know Theatre, back to direct. Pluto is a powerful and deliberate script. Yockey has created such a unique world that you are unsure what is real and what is otherworldly."

As part of a National New Play Network rolling world premiere, Know Theatre is one of four theatres across the country collaborating to bring Pluto to life. Pluto will be produced by Forum Theatre in Silver Springs, Maryland and by Orlando Shakespeare Theatre in Orlando, Florida in March of 2014 shortly after Know Theatre of Cincinnati's production closes. Actors Express in Atlanta, Georgia produced the production in November of 2013. The rolling world premiere ensures that a play will live beyond a single production, bringing important new work to multiple regions in one season and supporting playwrights directly. For more information, please visit www.nnpn.org.
Vosmeier adds, "Becoming a member of NNPN is something that Jason and I used to talk about. Now we're proud to be the only Cincinnati theatre that is an Associate Member and on the path to full membership. NNPN helps playwrights create their best work and then provides them an outlet for that work. They have created a model program that benefits playwrights, theatres, and audiences across the country. It's an honor to be a part of this community of theatres, and to be able to produce this world-premiere work. Being a part of this network of theatres is another key step for Know Theatre onto the national stage."

Know Theatre's award-winning design team will tackle a number of challenges in creating the world for Pluto. The production features a fully-equipped kitchen, several special effects, unique costume and prop pieces, and a number of scenic elements never before seen on Know Theatre's stage. Vosmeier says, "This was one of the things that excited me about this script. It demands a design that will challenge our production team and stretch our skills as a group." Designer Andrew Hungerford adds, "Most of the design work we do at Know tends to fall into one of two categories: either an expressionistic, stylized space, or theatrical realism. This script is exciting and challenging in that it blends both of those styles to create a reality with permeable borders. Steve Yockey's work is highly theatrical, and requires visually compelling design."

To aid in creating this production, Know Theatre of Cincinnati has brought back the hugely successful Club of Jacksons community supported production sponsorship. Through the Club of Jacksons, Know Theatre previously raised $22,500 in support of the hit production Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson. This time around we're raising $10,000 in support of this world premiere production. "We love doing these community powered campaigns. They remind us that we are part of a bigger family of people who appreciate the work that we do and want to help create amazing theatre for the City of Cincinnati. The money raised will go toward supporting all aspects of this production, but namely the stellar cast we have assembled and the intricate designs required to make this show amazing. The last time we went to the community for support of a production, we saw over 300 individual supporters join the Club. So far we've reached 77% of our goal of $10,000 and we're steadily climbing."
The Club of Jacksons is a unique community powered production sponsorship. For as little as $20 per month, you can join the club and help breathe life into this world premiere production. Joining the Club can be done by calling the theatre at 513-300-5669 [KNOW], in person at the theatre, or online at www.knowtheatre.com/donatenow.html.
Cast: Wesley Carman - BaileyTorie Wiggins* - Cerberus Annie Fitzpatrick* - ElizabethLauren Hayes - Maxine Ken Early* - Death

*Member of Actors' Equity Association
Production Team: Director: Jason BruffyScenic and Lighting Designer/Incoming Producing Artistic Director: Andrew Hungerford Sound Designer: Doug BorntragerCostume Designer: Noelle Wedig
About the National New Play Network The National New Play Network (NNPN) is the country's alliance of nonprofit theatres that champions the development, production and continued life of new plays. It strives to pioneer, implement and disseminate ideas and programs that revolutionize the way theatres collaborate to support new plays and playwrights. Know Theatre is an associate member of the NNPN.

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