Eagle Theatre Filming Big Screen Adaptation of World Premiere Play THE KING OF EAST JABIP

Can live regional theatre compete with Hollywood's ability to capture a worldwide audience, anytime, anywhere? While Eagle Theatre representatives agree that the magic of theatre is in the "here and now," the ability to reach a mass market via the cinematic medium is far too alluring to ignore.

Eagle Theatre plans to begin filming the full length feature SAG-film adaptation of their current WORLD PREMIERE production, THE KING OF EAST JABIP, this month. The film will star Eagle Theatre's stage cast, and will be Directed by Co-Artistic Directors Ed Corsi & Ted Wioncek III. Filming will take place at multiple locations in Hammonton, NJ. Plans have been made to enter the finished product into several national and international film festivals.

THE KING OF EAST JABIP's inaugural read-through took place over three years ago at America's Oldest Theatre, Philadelphia's Walnut Street Theatre. Thereafter, the script was submitted and won a spot in Eagle Theatre's progressive NEW WORKS DEVELOPMENT SERIES, a public reading for local professional playwrights. Patrons instantly responded to local playwright Kelly McCarthy's insight into the American family. Eagle Theatre has since assistEd McCarthy in several workshops, drafts, and private readings of the play.

Set in Philadelphia, THE KING OF EAST JABIP offers a witty take on the trials and tribulations of growing in age and losing state of mind. Humorous and fearless, the play portrays an accurate snapshot of those afflicted with Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia. THE KING OF EAST JABIP guarantees to leaves audiences grateful for all of life's immeasurable beauty.

Eagle Theatre Co-Artistic Director Ted Wioncek III expressed, "The power of art lies within its ability to be transformative. Despite the overwhelming interest in JABIP, Eagle Theatre's maximum capacity for the 5-week run is in the thousands. Meanwhile, millions suffer from Alzheimer's Disease. A film can reach a broader audience and this cast a larger cathartic light on this terminal illness."

Co-Artistic Director Ed Corsi added, "This is not a mere film version of the stage play. We have spent months scouting locations, making inroads with local businesses, and preparing the film crew for a noteworthy adaptation. We always knew we would have a long lasting relationship with this piece. The two hours spent with these characters will be easily identifiable for anyone who has loved, or witnessed a family member experience pain and loss. It teaches us, entertains us, and forces us to feel."

Managing Director Jim Donio concluded, "A full length feature film being shot in Hammonton, New Jersey is the perfect follow-up to the overwhelming success of the first New Jersey Fringe Festival. Both ventures allow Eagle Theatre to reach new audiences."

Founded in 2009, The Eagle Theatre, South Jersey's only year-round professional Equity theatre, is dedicated to redefining regional theatre through innovation, enlightened production techniques and the development of eclectic theatrics. This award-winning cultural epicenter boasts state of the art equipment, a free double parking lot, Sharrott Winery's on-site Wine Lounge, and is located within walking distance of several award-winning boutiques and acclaimed dining destinations in Downtown Hammonton.

For tickets and more information, visit www.TheEagleTheatre.com.