THE MEN OF MAH JONGG Come To Society Hill Playhouse 3/8-4/17

The charming, poignant and touching new comedy THE MEN OF MAH JONGG, will premiere at the Society Hill Playhouse for a limited six-week engagement beginning March 8 through April 17. The feel-good, hilarious play --- in the tradition of The Odd Couple--- is written by Richard Atkins and will be directed by Deen Kogan, longtime Director of the Society Hill Playhouse. The play's Dramaturge is Tony-Award winner Mark Medoff (Children of a Lesser God). The public preview will be Tues. March 8 and the official press opening is Wed. March 9 at 7:00 pm.

Tickets at $40 and $45 are on sale now, and may be purchased at www.comcasttix.com, or at the Society Hill Playhouse box office (215-923-0210), 507 South Eighth Street, Philadelphia. Group tickets are available by calling 215-923-0211. Performances include: Wednesdays & Thursday evenings at 7:00 pm; Friday & Saturday evenings at 8:00 pm; and matinees Saturdays & Sundays at 2:00 pm. For information visit: www.societyhillplayhouse.org.

The serio-comic play about four older buddies from NYC struggling with the pitfalls of old age only to discover the unlikely game of Mah Jongg as the key to their unbridled happiness. Recent widower Sid Weinberg, a recluse facing ever growing physical & emotional ills, tries to convince his poker playing buddies to replace their Friday night game with the game of Mah Jongg after believing he has received a sign from his dearly departed wife. The play deals with such issues as relationships, hope, adversity and triumph.

"I think you have a winner...a snappy, funny new comedy that combines all the best elements of The Sunshine Boys, The Gin Game and a Looney Toons Cartoon. A real thoughtful, funny and poignant play." (Bruce Kluger, USA Today) "The story is very, very funny...directed by Tony Award wining Mark Medoff, it's a warmhearted window that opens onto four poker-playing friends, who happen to be elderly. Playwright Richard Atkins turns poker night on its ear." (Cliff Kasden, Queens Courier). "I absolutely loved the play. It is exactly the type of thing I would like to do." (Jerry Stiller, comedian/actor). "If there ends up being a film version of the play, I'd be happy to look at the script" (Alan Arkin, producer/director/actor).

The all-male cast includes: Rocco Amato (South Philadelphia), Ted Ford (Downingtown, PA), Arnold Kendall (Havertown, PA) and Seymour Kover (Mount Laurel, NJ).

RICHARD ATKINS - PLAYWRIGHT
Atkins has worn many hats most of his performing life. As a classically trained pianist, he used those skills to become a Cabaret accompanist and writer for hundreds of performers. From Guy Lombardo's pianist, to performing for the the New York Yankees Thanksgiving Party to even Howard Sterns' daughter's Bat Mitzvah party, Atkins has used his musical skills wisely. In fact, it was that musicality that caught Medoff's attention when Medoff stated, "Richard's dialogue has a wonderful rhythm to it. And the guy is just plain funny!" As an actor he has portrayed varied roles for Off-Broadway, regional and summer stock venues. Playwrighting was an inevitable progression for Atkins as he started writing one act plays in college and graduated to full length pieces and musicals penning 20 plays to date. He just finished directing a full length musical comedy he wrote entitled "The Dress Shop Murders of 1933" and is excited about a new Holocaust play of his entitled "DeliKateSSen." "The Men of Mah Jongg" holds a special place in his heart as it appeals to so many people on so many levels.

MARK MEDOFF - DRAMATURGE
Best known as a writer, Mark received a Tony Award for Children of a Lesser God. He was nominated for an Academy Award for the film script of Children and for a Cable ACE Award for his HBO Premiere movie, Apology. He received an OBIE Award for When You Comin' Back Red Ryder? Among his movies are Clara's Heart, Off Beat and City of Joy. His novel, Dreams of Long Lasting was published in 1992. In 2001, he directed the feature film, Children on Their Birthdays based on the story by Truman Capote. Among other awards, it received the Houston world Film Festival Award for Best Family Film. He is Artistic Director of the Creative Media Institute for film & Digital Arts at New Mexico State University and Distinguished Playwriting Lecturer at the University of Houston. In 2005, he received The Kennedy Center Medallion for Excellence in Education and Artistic Achievement. He is currently finishing post-production on the movie Refuge, which he wrote and directed.

AUTHOR'S NOTE:
"The Men of Mah Jongg" is not your typical comedy. I call it a "dramedy" as it deals with a serious situation (the loss of a spouse, the mourning process and the isolation that comes with mourning) but finds incredible humor in its storytelling. In addition, it focuses on longstanding relationships and how those relationships are strained and strengthened due to external stimuli. The play also focuses on 4 older guys who strive for one last hurrah in life before that "final curtain call." Get ready for your emotions to run the gamut!