Mario Fratti's OBAMA 44 Begins Performances 3/29 at La MaMa

La MaMa will present the world-premiere of Mario Fratti's newest play, OBAMA 44, with performances starting March 29, 2012 prior to an official press opening April 1 at La MaMa (74 E. 4 St.) in Manhattan.

Directed by Wayne Maugans, the cast of OBAMA 44 includes Rob Sedgwick, Julia Motyka, Dennis Ostermaier, Thomas Poarch and Richard Ugino.

OBAMA 44 is a psychological thriller about the murder of the charming, beautiful young woman Maja, who admired and loved the President and worked for his re-election campaign.  She was murdered.  By whom?  In the play Maja, excited and joyous says, "Obama, our 44th president.  What a triumph!  I admire him so much.  I love him.  I'm proud of all Americans.  We elected an African-American, showing the world that we are truly democratic."

Playwright Mario Fratti was born in Italy but has been living in New York City since 1963.  He is a drama critic and a playwright.  He had a long-run on Broadway with the musical NINE (his adaptation of his play SIX PASSIONATE WOMEN -- LIFE OF FELLINI).  Some of his plays (CAGE, VICTIM, E. DUSE, WHITE WIDOW - MAFIA, CHE GUEVARA, PINOCHET - CHILE '73, REFRIGERATORS, BIRTHDAY, ACADEMY, SEDUCERS, SISTER, TERRORIST, LOVES, IRAQ-BLINDNESS, PORNO, THE BRIDGE, EROTIC ADVENTURES IN VENICE) have been translated and performed in 19 languages.

Wayne Maugans most recently directed THE TROJAN WOMEN at Atlantic Theater Conservatory/NYU.  He has directed the world premieres of UNCLE by Dean Gray and TRAILERVILLE by John Dufresne, both at Blue Heron Theatre, as well as plays at American Place Theater and NADA.  As an actor he has appeared on Broadway in AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY.

Julia Motyka appeared Off-Broadway in the world-premiere of WE GOT ISSUES, in the musical THE LAST STARFIGHTER and in THE GOLDEN LADDER.  Upcoming, Julia will appear in the world-premiere of Theresa Rebeck's WHAT WE'RE UP AGAINST at Houston's Alley Theater.

Rob Sedgwick's theater credits include THE DEVIL'S DISCIPLE at Irish Rep, TRUE WEST at Two Rivers Theater and PERFECT CRIME at Snapple Theater.  His TV appearances include "Damages" and "30 Rock" and films include "Die Hard with a Vengeance" and "Morgan Stewart's Coming Home."

Dennis Ostermaier is an actor, writer and filmmaker:  films include "The Jonestown Defense," "House of Satisfaction," and "Let's Play: The Story of the Cuts."  He appeared in Wayne Maugans' production of BLUE NOTES at NADA.

Thomas Poarch appeared Off-Broadway in THE AWESOME 80'S PROM, on Broadway in VICTOR/VICTORIA and TERMS OF DISMEMBERMENT directed by Hinton Battle.  He is the co-author of the country-western musical TAKE THIS SHOW AND SHOVE IT!

Richard Ugino appeared in IF THIS HAT COULD TALK directed by George Faison at the Apollo Theater and on national tour.  He has also appeared on stage in NY in TARTUFFE on Theater Row and MACBETH at Flamboyan.

OBAMA 44 has scenic design by Tatsuki Nakamura, lighting design by Paul Bartlett, costume design by Peri Grabin and sound design by Ien Denio.

Scheduled through April 15, OBAMA 44 will perform Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m.  Tickets are $18 ($13 for student/seniors) and can be purchased online at www.lamama.org or by phone at 212 475 7710.