Southern Rep to Present THE NIGHT OF THE IGUANA, 3/12-4/6

By: Feb. 20, 2014
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Southern Rep has announced its upcoming production of Tennessee Williams' THE NIGHT OF THE IGUANA, directed by Phil Karnell and starring Mike Harkins, Aimée Hayes, Troi Bechet and Bob Edes, Jr. at The Art Klub, 527 Elysian Fields Avenue.

Producing Artistic Director Aimee Hayes says, "Southern Rep has developed a true affinity for Tennessee Williams' work and words as seen in our past world premieres and staged readings of his "lost" plays as well as our 2012 production of A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE. We wanted to bring our audiences THE NIGHT OF THE IGUANA in order to explore what may be one of Tennessee's most modern great plays. It is a blend of earthy comedy, satire, sex, and spirituality. We will again offer the Tennessee Williams walking tour and be recreating Williams' setting for the play (Acapulco's Costa Verde Hotel) at the atmospheric and fun Art Klub venue. I can't imagine a more stimulating evening at the theatre!"

Director Phil Karnell adds, "Unless you have read the play or seen a theatrical production of THE NIGHT OF THE IGUANA, you really don't know the story -- and what a story it is! Rich in character, language, and theme. If you don't believe me, I invite you to come see for yourself!"

Largely considered to be Tennessee Williams' last great play, THE NIGHT OF THE IGUANA is about a disgraced Reverend and a woman of extraordinary grace who navigate faith, sex, and sin in an attempt to save one another before they reach the end of their rope. Southern Rep's production will mark the first time that Mike Harkins and Aimée Hayes are on stage together since their award-winning turn in A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE. Southern Rep is producing THE NIGHT OF THE IGUANA in partnership with The Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival, and a portion of its performance dates will run concurrently with the weekend of the Festival.

In addition to Harkins, Hayes, Bechet and, Edes, The Night of the Iguana also features Matt Standley, Tracey Collins, Josh Smith, Kyle Woods, Andrew Farrier, Rebecca Hollingsworth, Casey Hendershot, Rachel Whitman Groves and Jordan Kaplan.

The production staff feartures David Raphel (Scenic Designer), Diane Baas (Lighting Designer), David Rigamer (Sound Designer), and Mignon Charvet (Costume Designer).

The Night of the Iguana will run March 12 - April 6, Thursday-Saturday at 7:3-pm. There will be a Sunday matinee performance at 2:00pm. Please notw that Friday, March 14 will not be a public performance. Preview Tickets are $20. Regular Performance Tickets are $40 (discounts are available by calling 504.522.6545)

An hour prrior to every show, join Southern Rep for the return of their acclaimed walking tour of the neighborhood that inspired Tennessee Williams' most famous plays! Now updated to reflect the sinful and saintly New Orleanian influences on THE NIGHT OF THE IGUANA. (Tour starts at 527 Elysian Fields Ave. at 6:30 pm)

Preview performances will be March 12 and 13.

On March 20, there will be a Pre-Show Talkback: The Many Lives of the Iguana (begins at 6:30pm). Speakers take on the evolution of the Tennessee Williams play as it's moved from stage to screen and back again

On March 21 there will also be a Pre-Show Talkback, this time Tennessee Williams: Life and Legend (begins at 6:30pm). Experts discuss the Life and Times of the real Tennessee

On March 27 there will be a Post-Show Birthday Party! (begins directly after the show). Southern Rep and The Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival celebrate the legendary playwright's birth with cakes and a costume contest! Come as your favorite Tennessee Williams character, compete to win the award for "best dressed" and party after the performance!

On March 28, there will be a Post-Show Talkback: Analyze Dat! (begins directly after the show). A casual conversation and character analysis, led by a leading psychologist.

March 29 is Priority Patron Appreciation Night (begins at 6:30pm). Southern Rep Priority Patrons enjoy free champagne as our way of saying thanks!

April 3 is Pay What You Can Night

On April 4, there will be a Post-Show Talkback: Finding One's Meaning -- in Iguana, and Beyond (begins directly after the show). Join a panel of multi-denominational religious leaders as they explore the spiritual side of Williams' last confession drama

Directly after every Sunday matinee, there will be a Post-Show Talkback with the cast and crew of THE NIGHT OF THE IGUANA!

Southern Rep Theatre is celebrating its 27th season as the region's premiere professional theatre, producing bold world and regional premieres under the leadership of Producing Artistic Director, Aimée Hayes. Southern Rep's Mainstage Season work includes the best of Broadway, off-Broadway and classic plays, and Lagniappe Series DEBAUCHERY!, 6x6, 3x3, and Pints and Plays reflect the company's ongoing commitment to new play development. Southern Rep's innovative "school to stage" arts education programs, YONOLA and AcademySRT, serve as a pipeline for New Orleans' students and youth interested in pursuing their creative ambitions, and The Ruby Prize, a new play award (named in honor of civil rights veteran Ruby Bridges that honors women of color playwrights) supports a more diverse theatre community. Southern Rep is working to keep theatre as accessible as possible by providing senior discounts, free student matinees, $10 student rush tickets, discounts for theatre professionals, a Blue Star Network discount for military families, and a "Pay What You Can Night" to keep its productions affordable for New Orleanians of every income level.



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