Aurora Theatre Lab Series Opens with Circumference of a Squirrel 9/16-10/3

Aurora Theatre opens the 2010-2011 GGC Lab Series with a play as odd and funny as its title. Circumference of a Squirrel by John Walch runs from September 16 - October 3, 2010. The GGC Lab Series is made possible through the generous support of an inspired sponsor, Georgia Gwinnet College (GGC). This series features contemporary works fueled by innovation, creativity and inspiration. GGC Lab performances are held in the Gwinnett Federal Credit Union Studio, which gives audiences an intimate view of contemporary plays that resonate with young adults, our next generation of theatre goers.

Circumference of a Squirrel ~a riff with an inner-tube~ is a wild ride that incorporates an inner-tube, a bagel, a donut, a lifesaver, a holiday wreath, a tire swing and a cycle of abuse smartly packaged in a darkly comic one-man show. At the center of the action sits Chester, a man who spins this outlandish, funny and bruising tale of growing up with an intolerant father who has a rabid hatred for squirrels.
Returning to Aurora Theatre after playing twins in the thriller Corpse! is Daniel May (Metamorphoses at Georgia Shakespeare, Our Town True Colors, A Christmas Carol at the ALLIANCE THEATRE). Mr. May has performed on every stage in the city and is one Atlanta's most versatile performers. Mr. May is an 11-year company member with Georgia Shakespeare and an artistic associate at Actor's Express, a theatre known nationally for their commitment to new work. The show is under the careful direction of Aurora Theatre Artistic Associate, Susan Reid.
About the Playwright - John Walch
Mr. Walch's plays include The Dinosaur Within, Circumference of a Squirrel, The Nature of Mutation, Jesting with Edged Tools, Craving Gravy or Love in the Time of Cannibalism and Alice Threw The Looking Glass: A Parody of Strunk, just to name a few. His work has been produced, developed or commissioned at such theatres as Actors Theatre of Louisville, Manhattan Theatre Club, Playwrights Theatre of New Jersey, The Public Theater, and the Theatre Royal Haymarket in London.
Mr. Walch is a key voice among modern American Playwrights receiving numerous accolades, including: the American Theatre Critics Association's Osborn Award; the Charlotte Woolard Award from the Kennedy Center, the Marc Klein Playwriting Award; and three Austin Critic's Table Awards. He served as artistic director of Austin Script Works and has taught graduate playwrights at the University Texas /Michener Center for Writers, Florida State University, and the Playwrights Workshop at University of Iowa.

"I was initially attracted to this play by its quirky title, but I am sold on Walch's ability to draw us into this comically disturbed individual's mind and still leaving the audience with a feeling of hope. The Studio is such an intimate space that Daniel will be able to directly address the audience and build a relationship with them," explains Aurora Theatre Artistic Director Anthony Rodriguez. "It is reminiscent of two of my favorite solo performances: Thom Pain (based on nothing) and Underneath the Lintel."

"Walch's intricate script...proceed[s] like an intimate storytelling session...alternately entertaining and heartbreaking... Circumference of a Squirrel may at times seem like nothing more than a getting-to-know-you chat, but you'll leave feeling as if you've just caught up with an old friend." - Tricia Olszewski, Washington Post

"...slightly off-kilter, really kooky, totally entertaining." - Creative Loafing, Tampa

Cast & Crew

Daniel May Chester

Production Staff

Anthony Rodriguez Producing Artistic Director
Ann-Carol Pence Associate Producer & Musical Consultant
Susan Reid Director
Britt Hultgren Ramroop Production Manager & Set Designer
James M. Helms Technical Director & Lighting Designer
BrIan Smith Sound Design
Linda Patterson Costume Designer
Emily Cunningham Stage Manager
Sarah Thomson Scenic Artist

Circumference of a Squirrel
By John Walch
September 16 - October 3
Performances are Thursday - Saturday at 8:00PM and Sunday at 2:30PM
Tickets $15

678.226.6222
www.auroratheatre.com

Aurora Theatre
128 Pike Street
Lawrenceville, GA 30046

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