Ruined 2009 - Articles Page 7.4

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Opened: February 10, 2009

Ruined - 2009 - Off-Broadway History , Info & More

Manhattan Theatre Club Stage I
131 West 55th Street New York, NY 10019

In war-torn Congo, Mama Nadi keeps the peace between customers on both sides of the civil war by serving everything from cold beers to warm beds. This shrewd matriarch both protects and profits from the women whose bodies have become battlegrounds “ruined” by the brutality of government soldiers and rebel forces alike. Inspired by interviews conducted in Africa, this searing play is an engrossing and uncommonly human story told with humor and song, revealing the immeasurable loss and hopelessness of war, yet finding affirmation in life and hope.

Ruined - 2009 - Off-Broadway Cast

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Ruined - 2009 - Off-Broadway Articles Page 7.4

Photo Flash: A Glimpse at Arena Stage's RUINED!
by Kelsey Denette - May 12, 2011


Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater produces the first in-the-round staging of Ruined, the 2009 Pulitzer Prize winner for drama by Arena Stage Project Resident Lynn Nottage and directed by Resident Playwright Charles Randolph-Wright (Director of Arena Stage's Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Ladies).

Second Stage Extends MEET VERA STARK Through 6/12
by Nicole Rosky - May 11, 2011


Lynn Nottage's critically acclaimed world premiere comedy, BY THE WAY, MEET VERA STARK, has extended a second time, for two weeks through June 12 at Second Stage Theatre (305 West 43rd street). Directed by Jo Bonney, BY THE WAY, MEET VERA STARK is Ms. Nottage's first play to be produced in New York since she won the Pulitzer Prize for Ruined in 2009. For ticket information, please call the Second Stage Box Office at 212-246-4422 or visit the company's website, www.2ST.com. BY THE WAY, MEET VERA STARK opened to critical acclaim on Monday, May 9th. Elisabeth Vincentelli of the New York Post called the play, "A DAZZLING, WILDLY ENTERTAINING COMEDY ABOUT RACIAL IDENTITY IN HOLLYWOOD" and Joe Dziemianowicz of the New York Daily News dubbed it, "AN ENORMOUSLY ENTERTAINING COMEDY." Terry Teachout of the Wall Street Journal called Vera Stark, "A SHARP-TOOTHED, INGENIOUSLY CONSTRUCTED COMEDY," while Roma Torre of New York 1 News raved, "BY THE WAY, MEET VERA STARK IS AN INCREDIBLE PIECE OF WORK - A LAUGH RIOT IN THE FIRST HALF FOLLOWED BY SCINTILLATING SOCIAL COMMENTARY IN THE SECOND -- IT ALL ADDS UP TO AN INCOMPORABLE GEM!" BY THE WAY, MEET VERA STARK features Stephanie J. Block, Tony Award-nominee Daniel Breaker, Tony Award-nominee David Garrison, Kimberly Hebert Gregory, Kevin Isola, Tony Award nominee Sanaa Lathan, and Tony Award-winner Karen Olivo. In this new comedy, Lynn Nottage draws upon the screwball films of the 1930's to take a funny and irreverent look at racial stereotypes in Hollywood. BY THE WAY, MEET VERA STARK is a seventy year journey through the life of Vera Stark (Sanaa Lathan), a headstrong African-American maid and budding actress, and her tangled relationship with her boss, a white Hollywood star (Stephanie J. Block) desperately grasping to hold on to her career. When circumstances collide and both women land roles in the same Southern epic, the story behind the cameras leaves Vera with a surprising and controversial legacy scholars will debate for years to come.

Review Roundup: BY THE WAY, MEET VERA STARK
by Kelsey Denette - May 10, 2011


Lynn Nottage's world premiere comedy, BY THE WAY, MEET VERA STARK, already extended one week through May 29 at Second Stage Theatre, opens tonight, May 9. Directed by Jo Bonney, BY THE WAY, MEET VERA STARK is Ms. Nottage's first play to be produced in New York since she won the Pulitzer Prize for Ruined in 2009. For ticket information, please call the Second Stage Box Office at 212-246-4422 or visit the company's website, www.2ST.com. BY THE WAY, MEET VERA STARK features Stephanie J. Block, Tony Award-nominee Daniel Breaker, Tony Award-nominee David Garrison, Kimberly Hébert Gregory, Kevin Isola, Tony Award nominee Sanaa Lathan, and Tony Award-winner Karen Olivo. Let's see what the critics had to say!

Photo Coverage: Opening Night of Lynn Nottage's BY THE WAY, MEET VERA STARK
by Peter James Zielinski - May 10, 2011


Lynn Nottage's world premiere comedy, BY THE WAY, MEET VERA STARK, already extended one week through May 29 at Second Stage Theatre, and opened last night, May 9. Directed by Jo Bonney, BY THE WAY, MEET VERA STARK is Ms. Nottage's first play to be produced in New York since she won the Pulitzer Prize for Ruined in 2009. For ticket information, please call the Second Stage Box Office at 212-246-4422 or visit the company's website, www.2ST.com.

Second Stage Opens Nottage's BY THE WAY, MEET VERA STARK Tonight!
by Jessica Lewis - May 9, 2011


Lynn Nottage's world premiere comedy, BY THE WAY, MEET VERA STARK, already extended one week through May 29 at Second Stage Theatre, opens tonight, May 9. Directed by Jo Bonney, BY THE WAY, MEET VERA STARK is Ms. Nottage's first play to be produced in New York since she won the Pulitzer Prize for Ruined in 2009. For ticket information, please call the Second Stage Box Office at 212-246-4422 or visit the company's website, www.2ST.com.

Rajiv Joseph Returns to the Alley Theatre for The Monster at the Door
by BWW News Desk - May 4, 2011


Immediately after the Broadway opening of his play Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo, named a Pulitzer Prize finalist last year, Alley Company Artist Rajiv Joseph returns to the Alley with the world premiere of his latest play, The Monster at the Door.

A Theatre Lover's Guide to DC/Capital Area Theatres �" May 2011 Offerings
by Joel Markowitz - May 2, 2011


The DC area is full of spring splendor with so many gorgeous trees and azaleas in full bloom, and our local theatres are filled with new colorful productions. So come visit the Nation's Capital and bask in the city's beauty and the power and joy of our local theatres.

Rajiv Joseph Returns to the Alley Theatre for The Monster at the Door
by BWW News Desk - Apr 29, 2011


Immediately after the Broadway opening of his play Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo, named a Pulitzer Prize finalist last year, Alley Company Artist Rajiv Joseph returns to the Alley with the world premiere of his latest play, The Monster at the Door.

Second Stage Extends BY THE WAY, MEET VERA STARK Through 5/29
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 27, 2011


Although still in previews, Lynn Nottage's world premiere comedy, BY THE WAY, MEET VERA STARK, has extended one week through May 29 at Second Stage Theatre (305 West 43rd street). Directed by Jo Bonney, BY THE WAY, MEET VERA STARK is Ms. Nottage's first play to be produced in New York since she won the Pulitzer Prize for Ruined in 2009. The production will officially open on Monday, May 9. For ticket information, please call the Second Stage Box Office at 212-246-4422 or visit the company's website, www.2ST.com.

RUINED Ends PTC's 35th Season, Previews 5/20
by Gabrielle Sierra - Apr 21, 2011


Philadelphia Theatre Company concludes its 35th Anniversary Mainstage Season with the Philadelphia premiere of Ruined by Lynn Nottage, running May 20 through June 12, 2011 at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre (Broad and Lombard Streets).

Soho Rep Presents U.S. Premiere of BORN BAD, 4/17
by BWW News Desk - Apr 17, 2011


Soho Rep presents the highly anticipated U.S. Premiere of debbie tucker green's landmark play BORN BAD Winner of the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Newcomer. Featuring a powerhouse cast that includes: Crystal A. Dickinson (RUINED, CLYBOURNE PARK), Heather Alicia Simms (GEM OF THE OCEAN, A RAISIN IN THE SUN), LeRoy McClain (CYMBELINE, THE HISTORY BOYS), Quincy Tyler Bernstine (RUINED, IN THE NEXT ROOM), Michael Rogers (JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE, BREAKFAST WITH MUGABE), and Elaine R. Graham (Julie Taymor's 'Across the Universe,' PLAYBOY OF THE WEST INDIES)

Soho Rep Extends BORN BAD Thru 5/7
by Gabrielle Sierra - Apr 15, 2011


Due to critical and popular demand, Off-Broadway's eleven-time Obie Award-winning Soho Rep will extend the U.S. premiere of debbie tucker green's BORN BAD by two weeks, now through May 7th, 2011 at Soho Rep (46 Walker Street), it has been announced by Soho Rep Artistic Director Sarah Benson. Leah C. Gardiner directs.

Rajiv Joseph Returns to the Alley Theatre for The Monster at the Door
by Gabrielle Sierra - Apr 14, 2011


Immediately after the Broadway opening of his play Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo, named a Pulitzer Prize finalist last year, Alley Company Artist Rajiv Joseph returns to the Alley with the world premiere of his latest play, The Monster at the Door.

Horizon Theatre 2011 Season to Feature SUPERIOR DONUTS, AVENUE Q, RUINED et al.
by BWW News Desk - Apr 8, 2011


Horizon Theatre Company is pleased to announce its 27th season of contemporary theatre. Horizon's 2011 season features four Regional Premieres and the revival of an audience favorite. Horizon's intimate 175 seat theatre can be found in Atlanta's funky Little Five Points business and arts district.

Soho Rep Presents BORN BAD, Opens 4/7
by BWW News Desk - Apr 7, 2011


Soho Rep announces staged readings of four new plays by contemporary Black-British Playwrights to run in conjunction with the U.S. Premiere of debbie tucker green's BORN BAD, set to open at Soho Rep on April 7, 2011.

Soho Rep Presents BORN BAD, Opens 4/7
by BWW News Desk - Apr 7, 2011


Soho Rep announces staged readings of four new plays by contemporary Black-British Playwrights to run in conjunction with the U.S. Premiere of debbie tucker green's BORN BAD, set to open at Soho Rep on April 7, 2011.

Photo Flash: First Look at Soho Rep's BORN BAD
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 5, 2011


Soho Rep announces staged readings of four new plays by contemporary Black-British Playwrights to run in conjunction with the U.S. Première of debbie tucker green's BORN BAD, set to open at Soho Rep on April 7, 2011.

BWW Reviews: Denver Center's RUINED
by Michael Mulhern - Apr 5, 2011


The Denver Center Theatre Company presents Lynn Nottage's searing war drama RUINED, a look at the plight of women amidst the bloody conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Arena Stage to Produce RUINED In-the-Round, 4/22-6/5
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 30, 2011


Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater will produce the first in-the-round staging of Ruined, the 2009 Pulitzer Prize winner for drama by Arena Stage Project Resident Lynn Nottage and directed by Resident Playwright Charles Randolph-Wright (Director of Arena Stage's Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Ladies). Ruined is the stirring tale of Mama Nadi, a mother figure loosely based on Bertolt Brecht's Mother Courage and Her Children, who provides refuge for women affected by civil war ravaging the Democratic Republic of Congo. The production features an expanded company with cast members playing live music and additional ensemble roles featuring University of Maryland students. Ruined runs April 22-June 5, 2011 in the Fichandler Stage.

Asolo Rep Presents LAS MENINAS Runs Thru May 15
by Gabrielle Sierra - Mar 30, 2011


Asolo Repertory Theatre is thrilled to introduce Florida audiences to Las Meninas, by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lynn Nottage.

A Theatre Lover's Guide to DC/Capital Area Theatres - April 2011 Offerings
by Joel Markowitz - Mar 30, 2011


While the cherry blossoms are blooming - over 30 productions will be taking root on DC area stages in April. So come visit the Nation's Capital and see a show or two or more. There's something playing for everyone.

Soho Rep Presents BORN BAD, Opens 4/7
by Gabrielle Sierra - Mar 28, 2011


Soho Rep announces staged readings of four new plays by contemporary Black-British Playwrights to run in conjunction with the U.S. Premiere of debbie tucker green's BORN BAD, set to open at Soho Rep on April 7, 2011.

Horizon Theatre 2011 Season to Feature SUPERIOR DONUTS, AVENUE Q, RUINED et al.
by BWW News Desk - Mar 27, 2011


Horizon Theatre Company is pleased to announce its 27th season of contemporary theatre. Horizon's 2011 season features four Regional Premieres and the revival of an audience favorite. Horizon's intimate 175 seat theatre can be found in Atlanta's funky Little Five Points business and arts district.

Soho Rep Presents BORN BAD, Opens 4/7
by Gabrielle Sierra - Mar 25, 2011


Soho Rep announces staged readings of four new plays by contemporary Black-British Playwrights to run in conjunction with the U.S. Premiere of debbie tucker green's BORN BAD, set to open at Soho Rep on April 7, 2011.

Vampire Cowboys Present The Inexplicable Redemption of Agent G 3/24
by BWW News Desk - Mar 24, 2011


The OBIE Award-winning Vampire Cowboys Theatre Company, will present the world premiere of "THE INEXPLICABLE REDEMPTION OF AGENT G," written by Qui Nguyen and directed by Robert Ross Parker (with fight direction by Nguyen), when it begins performances on March 24 at Incubator Arts Project (incubatorarts.org), St. Mark's Church-in-the-Bowery, 131 East 10th Street (at 2nd Avenue).

Ruined FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What productions of Ruined have there been?
Ruined has had 2 productions including Off-Broadway which opened in 2009 and West End which opened in 2010.
What awards has Ruined been nominated for?
Ruined has been nominated for several awards. These include Best Play at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards, Outstanding Director of a Play for Kate Whoriskey at the Drama Desk Awards, Outstanding Music in a Play for Dominic Kanza at the Drama Desk Awards, Best New American Play at the Obie Awards for Lynn Nottage, Performance at the Obie Awards for Saidah Arrika Ekulona, Russell Gebert Jones, and Condola Rashad, Outstanding Lighting Design at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Peter Kaczorowski, Outstanding New Off-Broadway Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards, Outstanding Director at The Lortels for Kate Whoriskey, Outstanding Play at The Lortels for Manhattan Theatre Club and Goodman Theatre, and Performance at the Theatre World Awards for Condola Rashad.
What awards has Ruined won?
Ruined has won several awards, including Best Play at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards. Kate Whoriskey received the Outstanding Director of a Play award at the Drama Desk Awards. Dominic Kanza won the Outstanding Music in a Play award, also at the Drama Desk Awards. Lynn Nottage's play was recognized as the Best New American Play at the Obie Awards. Saidah Arrika Ekulona, Russell Gebert Jones, and Condola Rashad all received Performance awards at various ceremonies, including the Obie Awards and Theatre World Awards. Peter Kaczorowski was honored with the Outstanding Lighting Design award at the Outer Critics Circle Awards. Additionally, Ruined was recognized as the Outstanding New Off-Broadway Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards and received Outstanding Director and Outstanding Play awards at The Lortels, specifically for Kate Whoriskey and Manhattan Theatre Club. The Goodman Theatre was also recognized with an Outstanding Play award at The Lortels.

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