Quintessence Theatre Group Presents Molière's DON JUAN, 2/16-3/13

Quintessence Theatre Group presents Molière's DON JUAN, in the professional American premiere of a new translation by Neil Bartlett, to be directed by Alexander Burns. The production will start previews on Wednesday, February 16 at 7pm and open on Saturday, February 19 at 8pm. Performances are Wednesday, February 16 through Sunday, March 13. All performances will be held at the Sedgwick Theater, 7137 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia PA 19119. To purchase tickets, visit www.QuintessenceTheatre.org or call 1.877.238.5596.

Don Juan, the greatest lover in history, and his weary servant Sganarelle, make their way through the Italian countryside, wooing and winning every beautiful woman who crosses Don Juan's path. Pursued by past conquests, jealous rivals, and an angry father, Don Juan rejects all attempts to curb or change his ways. Can a man live entirely for pleasure? Is there a God and will he permit Don Juan to so openly mock his existence and moral laws? Molière's masterpiece premiered in 1665 and caused such a scandal that it was shut down after only fifteen performances and disappeared for over two hundred years. In 2005 Neil Bartlett's contemporary translation premiered at the Lyric Hammersmith in London to great critical acclaim, revitalizing Molière's wicked black comedy. Come try to resist temptation in Molière's sensuous and spiritual satire, DON JUAN.

Celebrated actor Anthony De Sando comes to Philadelphia to bring Don Juan to life, and John Williams, noted for his hilarious portrayal as Lucio in Quintessence's Measure for Measure, returns as Sganarelle.

Quintessence Theatre Group is Philadelphia's professional classical theatre company, dedicated to the performance and adaptation of epic works of classic drama and literature for the Contemporary Stage. Rooted in the traditions of classical drama, we explore what is essential in theatre and human nature, igniting the minds of artists and audiences through the power of the live actor, design and the spoken word.

Over the next five years Quintessence Theatre Group will work to establish an acting ensemble and a rotating repertory at the historic Sedgwick Theater in Mt. Airy, Philadelphia. As Quintessence Theatre's home, the Sedgwick Theater, a 1928 art deco movie palace designed by William Lee, will regain its place as a jewel in Philadelphia's cultural landscape. DON JUAN will feature sets by Alexander Burns, costumes by Jane Casanave, lighting by Michael Billings, and sound by Bryce Page.

DON JUAN will feature Anthony De Sando (appearing courtesy of Actor's Equity Association) as Don Juan, Jessica DalCanton, Bethany Ditnes, Daniel Fredrick, Robb Hutter, Ken Sandberg, Griffin Stanton-Ameisen and John Williams as Sganarelle.

DON JUAN plays February 16 - March 13, Wednesdays at 7pm, Thursdays - Saturdays at 8pm, and Sundays at 3pm.

Tickets are $30, $20 for seniors, with $10 student rush available at the door. Season subscriptions are also available. The inaugural 2010 - 2011 season will conclude with Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest, running from April 20 - May 15. To purchase tickets or subscriptions visit SmartTix at www.SmartTix.com or www.QuintessenceTheatre.org, or call 1.877.238.5596.