Playwright James Magruder to Visit Red Branch Theatre Company

Red Branch Theatre Company (RBTC) will host playwright, dramaturg, and fiction author James Magruder during the run of their upcoming production of Triumph of Love.

Triumph of Love has hometown roots as it made its world premiere at Baltimore's Center Stage while author James Magruder served as Resident Dramaturg. The musical had a subsequent transfer to Broadway's Royale Theatre and played for 85 performances. The original Broadway production featured Betty Buckley, F. Murray Abraham, Susan Egan, Christopher Sieber, Kevin Chamberlin, Roger Bart, and Nancy Opel. With a combination of henchmen, unrequited love, convincing disguises, and endless hijinks, this musical adaptation of the classic play by the same name reveals the lengths to which love can drive a person.

Mr. Magruder is confirmed to attend a performance of Triumph of Love on Sunday, October 5 at 3 PM, and will be on-hand to answer questions from the audience in a post-show talkback. After fiteen years as a playwright and dramaturg, Mr. Magruder turned to fiction in 2002. His stories have appeared in numerous publications and anthologies. He is a five-time recipient of an Individual Artist Award from the Maryland State Arts Council and a four-time fellow of the MacDowell Colony. He teaches dramaturgy at Swarthmore College and lives in Baltimore with his partner.

This is the third time that Red Branch has hosted a playwright or composer in conjunction with a run of their material. Jeff Marx, composer and lyricist of Avenue Q, surprised Red Branch with a visit during the theatre's run of his show in October 2012. Earlier this year, Red Branch Theatre Company hosted Tony Award-winning composer and lyricist Jason Robert Brown in a one-night-only cabaret to kick off the season. Mr. Brown collaborated with Red Branch performers in several of his compositions during that performance. "We are pleased to continue the tradition of hosting great playwrights in our space," says Red Branch Executive Producer Stephanie Lynn Williams. "We appreciate their support of emerging professional theatre companies, and are proud to demonstrate to them how their work lives on after its initial inception."

Triumph of Love is presented with permission through special arrangement with Music Theatre International.