Asolo Rep Announces Panelists for First IllumiNation Event of the 2016-17 Season

On Tuesday, January 24, Asolo Repertory Theatre kicks off the second season of its IllumiNation Series, connecting the social issues presented on stage with the local community. Each of the four events includes a pre-performance reception on the mezzanine, a ticket to the performance, and a moderated post-show discussion where audience members can further explore the topics they have just seen played out on stage.

The first event of the season will reflect on the theatre's production of THE ORIGINALIST, in which the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia and a liberal African-American clerk challenge one another to better understand how our laws reflect - and protect - the lives Americans lead today. The discussion will feature Judge Charles E. Williams, a Circuit Court Judge in the 12th Judicial Circuit, and Andrea Flynn Mogensen, a Board Certified Criminal Trial Specialist of the Law Office of Andrea Flynn Mogensen, P.A., as panelists. The discussion will be facilitated by Asolo Rep Education and Outreach Specialist Ria Cooper.

In the fall of 2012, Asolo Rep embarked on a great artistic journey: exploring the idea of the American Character through theatre. This season, we will present a series of plays that examine issues of race, identity, and cultural intersection that are uniquely American. With the inclusion of THE ORIGINALIST, THE GREAT SOCIETY, THE LITTLE FOXES and THE ELABORATE ENTRANCE OF CHAD DEITY, the season features an infusion of actors and characters of diverse ethnicities. The IllumiNation Series strives to elevate our shared experience and the meaning of the American Character Project.

"Last year's IllumiNation Series not only welcomed new audiences to Asolo Rep, but brought vital new perspectives to our discussion series," said Producing Artistic Director Michael Donald Edwards. "The impact of each play is significantly magnified by the conversation surrounding it, especially when a spectrum of cultural backgrounds and viewpoints contribute. The expertise and experience of community panelists ground us all in the immediate relevance these plays have today, and we're proud to provide a platform for questions extending far beyond the artistry on stage."

IllumiNation is sponsored by Morton's Gourmet Market and Catering

2016-17 IllumiNation Series Schedule

THE ORIGINALIST
By John Strand
Directed by Molly Smith
Tuesday, January 24 at 6:30pm
Pre-show reception and a post-show discussion will be held on Asolo Rep's Mezzanine
Performance will be held in the Mertz Theatre

THE GREAT SOCIETY
By Robert Schenkkan
Directed by Nicole A. Watson
Based on the original production directed by Bill Rauch
Saturday, February 11 at 1:00pm
Pre-show reception and a post-show discussion will be held on Asolo Rep's Mezzanine
Performance will be held in the Mertz Theatre

THE LITTLE FOXES
By Lillian Hellman
Directed by Frank Galati
Saturday, April 8 at 1:00pm
Pre-show reception and a post-show discussion will be held on Asolo Rep's Mezzanine
Performance will be held in the Mertz Theatre

THE ELABORATE ENTRANCE OF CHAD DEITY
By Kristoffer Diaz
Directed by Jen Wineman
Tuesday, April 18 at 6:30pm
Pre-show reception and a post-show discussion will be held on Asolo Rep's Mezzanine
Performance will be held in the Cook Theatre

TICKETS

Both 3-Play and 4-Play Packages are available. Series packages are for either three plays of your choice or all four plays. The package can be for either Section A or Section B seating, ranging from $135 to $225. Non-series ticket holders may purchase the pre-show cocktail reception for an additional $10.

To purchase tickets, call 941.351.8000 or 800.361.8388, visit www.asolorep.org, or visit the Asolo Repertory Theatre Box Office, located in the lobby of the theatre. Asolo Repertory Theatre is located at 5555 North Tamiami Trail in the Florida State University Center for the Performing Arts. The Box Office is open Monday 10am - 5pm, Tuesday - Thursday 10am - 7:30pm, Friday - Saturday 10am - 8pm, and Sunday 10am - 2pm. The box office closes at 5pm when there are no evening performances and phone lines close one hour prior to the start of any performance. Season subscription packages are also available online and by visiting or calling the box office.

ABOUT ASOLO REP

Now in its 58th season, Asolo Repertory Theatre is recognized as one of the premier professional theatres in America and one of the largest in the Southeastern United States. One of the few select theatres in the nation that performs in true rotating repertory, Asolo Rep's highly skilled Acting Company and extensive craftsmanship bring to life this unique performance method that gives audiences the opportunity to see multiple productions in the span of a few days. Asolo Rep presents up to 15 productions each season including contemporary and classic works and provocative musical theatre experiences. A theatre district in and of itself, Asolo Rep is committed to expanding its reach into the community, furthering its collaboration with the best theatre artists working in the industry today and cultivating new artists through its affiliation with the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training. Under the leadership of Producing Artistic Director Michael Donald Edwards and Managing Director Linda DiGabriele, Asolo Rep's ambitious theatrical offerings and ground-breaking education and outreach programming engage audiences and ensure its lasting legacy for future generations.