Denver Center Theater Company Presents THE WHALE

The Denver Centre Theatre Company will present the World Premiere of THE WHALE, by Samuel D. Hunter, which will play The Ricketson Theatre January 13 – February 19 (opening night Thursday, January 19). Tickets can be purchased now, by calling 303.893.4100 or www.denvercenter.org.

THE WHALE is the story of Charlie who hasn't seen his ex-wife or daughter in 17 years and has grown dangerously obese since his partner's death. In failing health, Charlie fends off family, friends and church as he doggedly tries to connect with his estranged daughter in this touching story.

The cast of THE WHALE includes Tom Alan Robbins (debut) as Charlie, Angela Reed (Map of Heaven, After Ashley) as Liz and Cory Michael Smith (debut) as Elder Thomas. Playing Ellie is Nicole Rodenburg (debut) and Mary is played by Tasha Lawrence (debut).

THE WHALE is by Samuel D. Hunter and directed by Hal Brooks. Scenic design is by Jason Simms (debut) while costume design is by Kevin Copenhaver (22 seasons, Dracula, Mama Hated Diesels, A Christmas Carol). Lighting design is by Seth Reiser (debut), sound design is by William Burns (American Night: The Ballad of Juan José, Ruined, Map of Heaven), dramaturgy is by Mead Hunter (The Whale for the Colorado New Play Summit) and fight direction is by Geoffrey Kent (The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Liar).

About the playwright, Samuel D. Hunter: Debut at the Denver Center. Recent plays: A Bright New Boise (2011 Obie Award for Playwriting, 2011 Drama Desk Nomination for Best Play; premiered by Partial Comfort Productions in NYC, recent production at Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company), A Permanent Image (Boise Contemporary Theater), Jack's Precious Moment (59E59 Theaters), Five Genocides (Clubbed Thumb). Sam has active commissions from MTC/Sloan, Seattle Rep, and South Coast Rep. Awards: 2008-2009 PONY Fellowship, the 2011 Sky Cooper Prize, two Lincoln Center Le Compte du Nuoy Awards, others. A native of northern Idaho, Sam lives in New York City. He holds degrees in playwriting from NYU, the Iowa Playwrights Workshop, and Juilliard.

Single tickets for THE WHALE start at $35 (non-SCFD) and also are available for $10 (SCFD 10 for $10 Program) and are on sale now. To purchase, call Denver Center Ticket Services at 303.893.4100. Groups of 10 or more, please call 303.446.4829. TTY (for Deaf and hard-of-hearing patrons): 303.893.9582. Tickets also may be purchased at the Denver Center Ticket Office, located at the Helen Bonfils Theatre Complex lobby. Buy and print online at www.denvercenter.org. Student $10 rush ticket are available one hour prior to curtain with a valid student ID subject to availability. Senior and military rush tickets are available one hour prior to curtain, subject to availability. No children under six will be admitted to any theatre. THE WHALE is recommended for adults. Contains drug use, homosexuality and death. Children under the age of 6 are not allowed into the theatre.

This production of THE WHALE is generously supported by Producing Partner Carol E. Wolf. THE WHALE is a featured attraction in the Denver Center Theatre Company 2011/12 season, which is generously supported by the Steinberg Charitable Trust, Wells Fargo Advisors, Ashford University, Larimer Square and SCFD. Media sponsorship for DCTC is provided by The Denver Post and CBS4. The Denver Center for the Performing Arts is supported in part by the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District. Please visit our website at www.denvercenter.org.

Special Events for THE WHALE

Perspectives on the Play | January 13 at 6pm
The DCTC's creative team provides the audience a unique perspective on the production. In the Jones Theatre.

General Talkbacks | January 22, post-show
Join us for a post-show discussion with the actors from the show

In Conversation | January 22
Engage - Experience - Reflect
· Engage in a pre-show dialogue with local and regional authorities about the division between homosexuality and religion.

· Share in the experience of watching the matinee performance

· Reflect upon the performance, sharing your perspective, in a post-show setting

Pre-show dialogue - Conservatory Theatre (Newman Building, 1101 13th Street, 3rd floor)
Post-show dialogue - In the theatre following the performance
Use promo code CONVERSATION to purchase tickets to this event. Participation in the pre- and-post show dialogues is free.
For more information about In Conversation visit www.denvercenter.org/connect

Theatre & Theology | January 24, post-show
In a continued partnership with Pastor Dan Bollman with the Rocky Mountain Evangelical Lutheran Synod, this discussion examines the relevant connections to the productions through the theological lens.

Fourth Wall | January 28 at 6:30pm
Join other 20 and 30-somethings at Fourth Wall, which includes tickets to the play and pre- and post-show parties that expand the theatrical world. THE WHALE and TWO THINGS YOU DON'T TALK ABOUT AT DINNER event includes a light dinner, a ticket to one of the shows and a drink at the after-party.
For more information visit www.denvercenter.org/fourthwall

Talkback hosted by the Higher Education Advisory Council | January 29, post-show
Join the cast for a discussion led by members of our academic community.

ASL Interpretation/Audio Described Performance | February 5, 1:30pm

For more information on these special events, please visit http://www.denvercenter.org/education/EducationResources.aspx

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