Arden Theatre Company Presents RABBIT HOLE, Opens 10/28

Arden Theatre Company continues its 2009/10 season with the Philadelphia premiere of Rabbit Hole by David Lindsay-Abaire. As improbably funny as it is heartbreaking, this story of a family in crisis won the 2007 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Becca and Howie had the perfect life - a great marriage, a beautiful house, and a lovely son. But after a tragic accident, the couple faces the challenges of surviving great loss and making a life with the family that remains. Director James J. Christy and Philadelphia actress Grace Gonglewski return to bring this modern masterpiece to life.

Originally commissioned by South Coast Repertory, Rabbit Hole made its Broadway debut with a production that was nominated for five Tony Awards, including outstanding production. Cynthia Nixon won a Tony Award for Leading Actress as Becca, the grieving mother. Rabbit Hole is currently being filmed for a major motion picture starring Nicole Kidman and Aaron Eckhart.

Grace Gonglewski joins the esteemed group of actresses who have tackled the complex and surprising role of Becca. She has appeared in 19 previous Arden productions, including Dancing at Lughnasa, Hedda Gabler, Candida, and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and has been seen regionally at the Walnut Street Theatre, Wilma Theater, Theatre Exile, and Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, among others. She was awarded the inaugural F. Otto Haas Barrymore Award for an Emerging Philadelphia Theatre Artist, as well as a Barrymore Award for the Arden's Little Night Music.

"Grace is an actress of rare generosity, sensitivity and intelligence and will be a courageous collaborator in the journey through hellish suffering that the play depicts so movingly," said director James J. Christy. "I am eagerly looking forward to the process of exploring this beautiful play with this cast and the artistic team assembled for the production."

The cast also includes Brian Russell (Arden's The Seafarer) as Becca's husband Howie, Janis Dardaris (2009 Barrymore nominee for Wilma Theater's Scorched) as her mother Nat, Julianna Zinkel (Company member, People's Light and Theatre Company; Arden's Go, Dog. Go!) as her sister Izzy. Rounding out the cast as Jason, a neighborhood high school student, is Temple University undergraduate Aaron Stall.

James J. Christy has been a director and teacher of theatre for over thirty years. His directing work at the Arden includes Translations, Coyote on a Fence, Proof and Dex and Julie Sittin' in a Tree. He has received two Barrymore Awards and seven nominations for Best Director and earned the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2005 awards ceremony. He recently retired from a distinguished career as a professor of theatre at Villanova University.

Playwright David Lindsay-Abaire is a graduate of the Julliard school and is primarily known for off-kilter comedies such as Kimberly Akimbo and Fuddy Meers. He was recently nominated for two Tony Awards for his work on Shrek the Musical.

The final dress rehearsal of Rabbit Hole on Wednesday, October 21 at 8pm is open to the public as a Pay-What-You-Can performance, with all proceeds collected donated to United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania which improve people's lives by mobilizing the caring power of donors, volunteers and communities. All seats are general admission, first come, first served for this performance.

Rabbit Hole previews begin on Thursday, October 22. Preview performances run October 23, 24, 25 and 27. Opening night is set for 7 p.m. Wednesday, October 28.

Single ticket prices are $29- $48, with discounts available for seniors, students, military and educators. Groups of 10+ enjoy significant discounts; please inquire about group rates.

Three show subscriptions for the 2009/10 season are still available. Subscribers enjoy significant savings on tickets, the best choice of seats and a liberal ticket exchange policy. Call the Arden Box Office at 215.922.1122, order online at www.ardentheatre.org, or visit the box office.

The Arden is wheelchair accessible and provides assisted listening devices and large-print programs at every performance. Reservations are required for accessible seating and may be made by calling the Arden's Box Office at 215.922.1122.

 

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