Waterwell's Twist on O'Neill's Marco Millions Runs in Aug.

Waterwell will present its next production, Marco Millions (based on lies), adapted from the play by Eugene O'Neill, at The Lion at Theatre Row (410 W. 42nd St.), where it will begin performances on Friday, August 4th, open on Saturday, August 12th and play a limited engagement through Saturday, August 26th.

Created, written and performed by Hanna Cheek, Rodney Gardiner, Arian Moayed, Tom Ridgely and Kevin Townley, Marco Millions (based on lies) is directed by Tom Ridgely, features original music by Lauren Cregor and choreography by Lynn Peterson. 

"Putting its signature irreverent stamp on Eugene O'Neill's lesser-known play about the thirteenth century travels of Marco Polo, Marco Millions (based on lies), is the Story of a Westerner encountering the East and the collision of cultures and economies that followed," state press notes. 

"O'Neill's play was born out of his reaction to the American post-war boom of the 1920s, a time of capitalist triumph and commercial imperialism.  It was the time, O'Neill thought, to recognize that the majority of the world didn't necessarily embrace The American Way.  He saw history repeating itself . . . Featuring live music, Marco Millions (based on lies) is a kaleidoscopic and freewheeling ride that confront head on questions of class and race that are as important now as they were in 1928 . . . or 1271."

In addition to Waterwell ensemble members Hanna Cheek, Rodney Gardiner, Arian Moayed and Tom Ridgely, the cast of Marco Millions (based on lies) will also include Kevin Townley.  The company also features musicians Gunter Gruner, Adam Levine and Joe Morse.

Marco Millions (based on lies) will feature set design by Dave Lombard, costume design by Elizabeth Payne, lighting design by Stacey Boggs and sound design by Jessica Paz.

Waterwell was founded in 2001 and has since produced more than 10 productions, most recently the award-winning production of The Persians . . . a comedy about war with five songs.  Other productions include Lost in Yemen, or The Bizarre Bazaar at Collective: Unconscious, an adaptation of Fuenteovejuna at the Duplex Cabaret Theater, the original piece Stuck at the Peoples Improv Theater, the double-bill Chill & Serve at the Ground Floor Theatre, and Sweetness & Light at Altered Stages.

The performance schedule is Monday and Wednesday through Saturday at 8:00 p.m. (with the exception of the week of August 7 – with no performance on Monday, July 7 and a show on Tuesday, July 8 at 8 p.m.).

Tickets for are $35 and are available through TicketCentral.com at 212-279-4200.  Visit www.waterwell.org for more information.