Kansas City Actors Theatre Announces Cast and Creative Staff for Shepard's A LIE OF THE MIND

Kansas City Actors Theatre has completed casting for its production of Sam Shepard's "A Lie of the Mind," the second show of its thirteenth season, which will run from September 13th to October 1st at the H&R Block City Stage in Union Station. The production will be directed by Cinnamon Schultz and will star Forrest Attaway, Hillary Clemens, Merle Moores, Gary Neal Johnson, Brian Paulette, Jan Rogge, Christina Schafer and Jake Walker. The production team includes Bret Engle (scenic designer), Bill Christie (properties designer), Gretchen Halle (costumer designer), Ashley Kok (lighting designer), Jonathan Robertson (sound designer), and Kyle Dyck (technical director). The production will also feature the original music of local band The Country Duo (Kasey Rausch & Marco Pascolini).

"A Lie of the Mind" is the story of two families connected by marriage and an irreversible act of violence. It is a play marked by Shepard's measured humor, heart, and steady eye in examining humanity's potential for both compassion and destruction.

Winner of the Drama Desk Award and The New York Drama Critics' Circle Award for Best Play, "A Lie of the Mind" is generally considered to be among the greatest works of Shepard, who passed away at the age of 73 in July. "[He] was arguably one of the greatest American Playwrights of his time," says director and Kansas City Actors Theatre artistic board member Cinnamon Schultz. "In my opinion 'A Lie of the Mind' is his best, and it's extremely personal writing."

Kansas City Actors Theatre is excited to feature this powerhouse collection of actors. "The story deserves eight gifted actors giving it their heart and soul," says Schultz. "When you combine words that come from the heart with the dedication and talent we've assembled here, it would give any director goosebumps."

Performances will take place at Union Station's H&R Block City Stage. Previews start September 13th, opening night will be September 16th and performances will conclude on October 1st. Audience talk-backs will follow performances on September 17th, September 20th, and September 29th.

Tickets are between $15 and $40 and are available by contacting the Central Ticket Office at 816-235-6222 or online at www.kcactors.org.