Gulfshore Playhouse Continues 2014-15 Season with BODY AWARENESS, Now thru 11/16

Gulfshore Playhouse will continue their 2014-2015 season with Body Awareness by Pulitzer Prize-Winning Playwright Annie Baker, playing November 1st through 16th, with $30 preview performances on October 29th and 30th.

From one of America's hottest young playwrights, comes a play that cleverly skewers liberal pretentions and turns political correctness on its head. With wit, empathy, and a frank point of view, Annie Baker snaps a picture of a nontraditional modern American family struggling to make things work. When an unexpected guest arrives, questions of sexuality and self-identity come up. With a truth that is often hilarious and touching, this play illuminates many of the struggles families face in today's tumultuous times.

"I am thrilled to bring such a smart and witty comedy to our stage. This play touches upon struggles that many families face every day, and regardless of circumstance many of our patrons will be able to relate to it," says Kristen Coury, Founder and Producing Artistic Director of Gulfshore Playhouse.

Gulfshore Playhouse Artistic Associate, Cody Nickell will direct the production. Cody has directed Gulfshore Playhouse's productions of The Mountaintop, Something Intangible and God of Carnage. Cody's credits as an actor at Gulfshore Playhouse include Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol, Ken Ludwig's The Game's Afoot, All My Sons, The Whipping Man, Art, and Blithe Spirit. Having worked in renowned theaters all over the country, Cody has been a part of over 40 professional productions, including World and U.S premieres, classic re-stagings and multiple award winning shows, Cody also has a deep commitment to new plays, having been involved in the development of over 25 new works. Cody is a six time Helen Hayes award nominee and the winner of the Connecticut Critic's Circle Award.

Playing the role of Phyllis will be Kate Eastwood Norris. Kate has received two Helen Hayes Awards and a Barrymore Award throughout her career. Kate has appeared in productions around the country at theatres including Arena Stage, Folger Theatre, Woolly Mammoth Theatre, Round House Theatre, The Wilma Theatre, The Arden Theatre, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, and Actor's Theatre of Louisville. Gulfshore Playhouse audiences may recognize Kate from her work in the 2013 and 2014 New Works Festivals.

Julia Brothers will play Joyce. Julia is returning to Gulfshore Playhouse after playing the role of Inspector Goring in Ken Ludwig's The Game's Afoot. Ms. Brothers recently appeared in George is Dead at Magic Theatre, George Street Playhouse, and Arizona Theatre Company. Julia then moved with the production to Broadway in Relatively Speaking, three one act comedies by Ethan Coen, Elaine May and Woody Allen, directed by John Turturro. Her San Francisco and Bay Area credits include Pacific Repertory Theatre, SF Playhouse, TheatreWorks, Aurora Theatre Company, Marin Theatre Company, and Magic Theatre. Julia was named MVP for Theatre by the San Francisco Chronicle.

The roll of Jared will be played by Michael Pantozzi. Michael has worked directly as an actor with collaborators ranging from Edward Albee to College Humor. He will next appear in Alison Bagnall's upcoming independent comedy feature Funny Bunny.

Eric Hissom will play the role of Frank Bonitatibus. Gulfshore Playhouse audiences will recognize Mr. Hissom from his role in David Mamet's Race. Some of Eric's recent credits include The Tempest at American Repertory Theatre and South Coast Rep; The National Tour of The Thirty-Nine Steps; The Game's Afoot at Cleveland Playhouse; Twelfth Night at Actors Theatre of Louisville; Glengarry Glen Ross at Asolo Rep and The Vibrator Play at Woolly Mammoth Theatre.

Gulfshore Playhouse is passionately devoted to creating high-quality professional theatre at affordable prices and diverse educational opportunities for our region. Producing a full season of plays ranging from venerated classics and Broadway hits to contemporary plays and world premieres, Gulfshore Playhouse is committed to surpassing the standards of every valued patron while continuing to contribute to the vibrant arts and culture scene in Naples, Florida.

Gulfshore Playhouse's production of Body Awareness will play November 1st through 16th , with $30 preview performances tonight and tomorrow, October 29th and 30th. Three, four, and five show subscriptions and single tickets are available now. Single tickets start at $40. Half-price tickets are available for all matinee performances one-half hour before the show. Tickets can be purchased by calling the box office at 1-866-811-4111 or visiting our website at www.gulfshoreplayhouse.org.