Dead Heavy Fantastic Runs at CRT October 24 - November 3

Connecticut Repertory Theatre (CRT) will present Dead Heavy Fantastic by Robert Farquhar as part of its Studio Works Series, October 24 - November 3 in the Studio Theater, Storrs. For tickets and information, call 860-486-2113 and visit www.crt.uconn.edu.

It's always been mad in Liverpool, England on a Friday night - you leave the house feeling like a million dollars and return your own poor relation. And that's how it is for the motley crew in Robert Farquhar's contemporary comedy Dead Heavy Fantastic as they lurch their way from tentative first drinks to an apocalyptic sunrise, sure in the knowledge that they're pretty likely to do it all again next week. Critic Laura Davis observed, "A thoroughly entertaining piece of theatre populated by memorable characters, Dead Heavy Fantastic encapsulates the energy and eager anticipation of a Friday night out without the disappointment of the morning after."

After Vince discovers his ex-girlfriend Cindy in bed with her blind date Frank, he sweeps the middle-aged postman along on a night of excess he is never likely to forget. Comedy abounds as they stagger from karaoke bar to burnt-out nightclub to a penthouse apartment, and more. Dead Heavy Fantastic is a fast-paced comic story with a serious undertone.

Director Scott Ripley said, "Dead Heavy Fantastic melds an incredible night out with the struggle to find your place in the world and the sting of reality. Over one wild ride of an evening, our characters find themselves through bad decisions, self reflection, and the inevitable need to face the consequences of their actions."

THE CREATIVE TEAM

Scott Ripley (Director) currently teaches acting in the BFA program at UConn. He graduated from the US Naval Academy (BS, English) and served for six years as an A-6 bombardier/navigator onboard USS Nimitz and USS Theodore Roosevelt - before resigning his commission to enter the Professional ActorTraining Program (MFA, Acting) at UC San Diego. He has worked on stages across the US and abroad, including La Jolla Playhouse, A.C.T., Moscow Art Theater,Taiwan National Theater, three seasons at The American Repertory Theatre, and four seasons at PlayMakers Repertory Company. Scott has taught acting at Arizona State, Davidson College, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

The Design team includes: Brenna Sellars, Scenic Designer; Maureen Freedman, Costume Designer; Paul Yeates, Lighting Designer; Lexi Macchiaroli, Sound Designer, and Erika Johnson, Projection Designer.

THE CAST

The cast will feature undergraduate actors Juliana Bearse, Madison Coppola, Kaitlyn Gorman, Kevin Hilversum, Colleen Labella, Chester Martin, JoonHo Oh, Andrianna Prast, and Adam Schneemann.

Adam Schneemann (Frank) is a Junior BFA Actor. He was previously seen in CRT's Hairspray (Sketch/Den. of Baltimore), His Girl Friday (Mike Endicott),Romeo & Juliet (Montague). Past credits include: The Winter's Tale (Cleomenes), I'm Connecticut (Vermont), and Our Town (Howie Newsome) at CRT; Romeo & Juliet (Ensemble) at Connecticut Free Shakespeare.

Chester Martin (Vince) is a Sophomore BFA Actor. His credits include A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Protean 3), History Boys (Stuart Dakin), Hairspray (Edna Turnblad),Oliver! (Mr. Sowerberry), Shakespeare in Hollywood (Oberon), Twelfth Night (Andrew Aguecheek), Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse (Chester), Sweeney Todd (Sweeney Todd), Counting To Three (John), The Love of Three Oranges (Truffaldino), My Favorite Year (Alan Swann), Animal Farm (Boxer), Alice in Wonderland (King of Hearts), Return to the Forbidden Planet (backup vocalist/dancer), and The Rise and Rise of Daniel Rocket (Roger).

Colleen Labella (Maureen) is a Senior BFA Actor. Most recently, Colleen was seen on the CRT stage as Doctor Casey in Punk Rock, Brenda in O Beautiful and the Adult Woman in Spring Awakening. Other credits include: The Crucible (Abigail Williams), Doubt (Sister James) and Little Women(Meg March).

Please call 860-486-2113 for tickets or for more information. Please call or visit the box office for specific show dates and times because performance schedules vary and are subject to change. Tickets available online at www.crt.uconn.edu.

New Box Office Location - Please note that the CRT box office is now housed in the Nafe Katter Theatre, located at 820 Bolton Road. There is short term parking on Bolton Road, in the loading zone directly in front of the theatre. CRT tickets can no longer be purchased at the Jorgensen box office. CRT's box office is open Monday-Friday, noon - 5 p.m., and will also be open one hour prior to show time at the theatre where the performance is taking place.

Weeknight evening performances start at 7:30 p.m. Weekend evening performances start at 8 p.m. Matinee performances start at 2 p.m.

Ticket prices range from $7 - $37.