Westport Country Playhouse to Open 2015 Season with THE LIAR, 5/5-23

Westport Country Playhouse will open its 2015 Season with the comedy, "The Liar," an adaptation by David Ives of Pierre Corneille's classic comedy that weaves an increasingly intricate web of lies leading to hilarious romantic misadventures. Celebrating the Playhouse's 85th season, the comedy will run May 5 - 23, directed by Penny Metropulos.

"I laughed out loud just reading it," said Mark Lamos, Playhouse artistic director. "The leading man in 'The Liar' lives up to his name flagrantly, with dazzling flair and eloquence, causing no real harm to anyone---and we can't help but love him for it."

Aaron Krohn portrays Dorante, "The Liar." Charming and quick-witted, he has a gift for stretching the truth. When he falls in love, his fabrications lead to a high wire act as he tries to stay one step ahead of everyone. Krohn was in Broadway's recent revival of "Cabaret," as well as "The Farnsworth Invention," "The Coast of Utopia," and "The Invention of Love."

The cast also includes: Monique Barbee as Lucrece, who recognizes Dorante for the liar and flatterer he is. Barbee was in the Metropolitan Opera's "Die Fledermaus," and Berkshire Theatre Festival's "A Little Night Music"; Philippe Bowgen as Alcippe, Dorante's outrageously jealous friend. He was in Off-Broadway's "Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992," Yale Rep's "War," and McCarter Theatre's "Antony and Cleopatra"; Rebekah Brockman in the dual role of Isabelle/Sabine, twin servants, one prurient, the other puritanical. She was in Yale Rep's "Arcadia," and the film "Bridge of Spies" with Tom Hanks, directed by Steven Spielberg.

Also, Kate MacCluggage as Clarice, who plots to expose Dorante's lies. Born in Hartford, and raised in Groton, CT, she was in Broadway's "The Farnsworth Invention," and the Long Wharf Theatre/Hartford Stage co-production of "Bell, Book, and Candle"; Brian Reddy as Geronte, Dorante's easily duped father. He was in Broadway's "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," "Caine Mutiny Court-Martial," and "The Crucible," and the film "O Brother, Where Art Thou"; Rusty Ross as Cliton, Dorante's virtuous-to-a-fault servant. He was on Broadway in the original cast of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!," and the National Tour of Lincoln Center's "South Pacific"; and Jay Russell as Philiste, Alcippe's honorable and reasonable friend. He was in Broadway's "End of the Rainbow," "The Play What I Wrote," and Off-Broadway's "Our Town" and "The Normal Heart."

Playwright David Ives's play "Lives of the Saints" was a hit off-Broadway this spring at Primary Stages while his play "The Metromaniacs" was a hit at the Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington. Ives is perhaps best known for his evening of one-act plays, "All in the Timing," and for his drama "Venus in Fur," which was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Play in 2012.

Director Penny Metropulos was associate artistic director of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival where she directed over 20 productions. The design team includes Kristen Robinson, scenic design; Jessica Ford, costume design; Matthew Richards, lighting design; and David Budries, sound design.

"The Liar" performance schedule is Tuesday at 7 p.m., Wednesday at 2 and 8 p.m., Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 3 and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Special series feature Taste of Tuesday, Previews, LGBT Night OUT, Opening Night, Sunday Symposium, Open Captions, Thursday TalkBack, Together at the Table Family Dinner, Playhouse Young Professionals, and Backstage Pass.

"The Liar" Production Sponsors are Judy and Scott Phares. Corporate Production Sponsor is Bank of America.

2015 5-play and 4-play subscriptions are now available. Subscribers receive a host of benefits not afforded to single ticket buyers, including significant savings, priority seating, free and easy ticket exchanges, and restaurant discounts. Flex passes are also now available for those seeking a more flexible option, and can be redeemed for any show, any time. Single tickets start at $30; buy early for best prices.

For more information, call the box office at (203) 227-4177, or toll-free at 1-888-927-7529, or visit Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Court, off Route 1, Westport. Tickets are available online 24/7 at www.westportplayhouse.org, or by using the new Playhouse App or mobile website. Stay connected to the Playhouse on Facebook (Westport Country Playhouse), follow on Twitter (@WCPlayhouse), or view Playhouse videos on YouTube (WestportPlayhouse).

Photo by Kat Gloor

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