Aurora Theatre Stages FAT PIG 2/10-27

Aurora Theatre continues the 2010-2011 GGC Lab Series with the comically brutal Fat Pig by Neil LaBute running February 10-27, 2011. The GGC Lab Series is made possible through the generous support of inspired sponsor, Georgia Gwinnet College (GGC). The 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 a very intimate experience with plays that resonate particularly with young adults, our next generation of theatre goers.

In the play Fat Pig, leading man Tom is at a great place in his life. He's young, successful, sexy, and in shape. Imagine his surprise when he falls for a plus-sized librarian, Helen. The play examines whether Tom can hold onto his convictions and make the relationship work, or if he will allow stereotypes and pressure from friends and colleagues to impact his love life. Fat Pig is an edgy comedy where right and wrong take on a new dimension. Fat Pig won the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Off-Broadway Play and was nominated for Laurence Olivier Awards (London) for Best New Comedy in 2005.

About the Aurora Theatre Production
Some of the region's finest young talents will be making their Aurora Theatre debut with Fat Pig. In the role of Tom will be Jacob York (ALLIANCE THEATRE-Middle School: The Musical, Essential Theatre Festival-Sally and Glen at The Palace) and undertaking his Rubenesque romantic counterpart, Helen, is the delightful Jenna Tamisiea (National Off-Broadway tour-Food Fight: The Musical, 7 Stages-Hair). In the role of Jeannie, Tom's bitter ex-girlfriend, is Maureen Yasko (Synchronicity Performance Group-The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Shakespeare Tavern-The Taming of the Shrew). Rounding out the cast as the wise-cracking office pal Carter is Aurora favorite Jimi Kocina (Kiss Me, Kate, Christmas Canteen). The show is under the direction of the gifted Andy Houchins also making his Aurora Theatre debut.

About the Playwright-Neil LaBute
Born in Detroit, Michigan and raised in Spokane, Washington, Neil LaBute studied Theater at Brigham Young University (BYU), where he joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. At BYU, he produced a number of plays that pushed the envelope of what was allowable at the straight-laced Mormon university. While at BYU, he also met actor Aaron Eckhart, who would play leading roles in many of his films. LaBute went on to do graduate work at the University of Kansas, New York University, and the Royal Academy of London.

In 1993, his play In the Company of Men received an award from the Association for Mormon Letters. He then adapted and filmed the play, launching his career as a film director. The film won the Filmmakers Trophy at the Sundance Film Festival, as well as other major awards. LaBute has received high praise from critics for his edgy and often unsettling portrayals of human relationships. His next film, Your Friends & Neighbors (1998), was a shockingly honest portrayal of the sex lives of three suburban couples who were friends.

In 2000, he wrote and directed an Off-Broadway play entitled bash: latterday plays, a set of three short plays depicting essentially good people (who happen to be Latter-day Saints) doing disturbing and violent things. LaBute then wrote a trilogy of works called The Beauty Plays, including The Shape of Things, Fat Pig, and reasons to be pretty where each dark comedy is about body image, about what is acceptable or appealing. Fat Pig is scheduled to open on Broadway this April under the direction of LaBute and features the theatrical debut of comedian Dane Cook.

Producer Quote
"Obesity is affecting our society at an alarming rate. It is a very important issue facing many young adults" explains Aurora Theatre Artistic Director Anthony Rodriguez. "This play tackles the effects of obesity on romance with a realistic brilliance that is not always easy to watch, but impossible to turn away from."

"The most emotional engaging and unsettling of Mr. LaBute's plays since BASH... A serious step forward for a playwright who has always been most comfortable with judgmental distance."
Ben Brantley, The New York Times

"Will make you squirm in your seat. It's theater without novocain [from] an author with a uniquely truthful voice."
Jacques le Sourd, The Journal News

Cast and Crew

Jacob York Tom
Jenna Tamisiea Helen
Jimi Kocina Carter
Maureen Yasko Jeannie

Production Staff

Anthony Rodriguez Producing Artistic Director
Ann-Carol Pence Associate Producer and Musical Consultant
Andy Houchins Director
Britt Hultgren Ramroop Production Manager and Set Designer
James M. Helms Technical Director and Lighting Designer
Courtney Greever Sound and Props Design
Emily Cunningham Stage Manager
Sarah Thomson Scenic Artist

Bullet Points

Fat Pig
By Neil LaBute
February 10-27
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