Lyric Stage Of Boston Announces SPEECH & DEBATE 3/27-4/5

Following the two most successful and highest-attended seasons in its 34-year history, The Lyric Stage Company of Boston announces the sixth production of the 2008-2009 Season: Speech and Debate by Stephen Karam.

Directed by Jeremy Johnson, the Boston premiere of Speech and Debate runs March 27 through April 25 at The Lyric Stage Company with both afternoon and evening performances.

Tickets range from $25 to $50 and are available by calling the box office at 617.585.5678 and online at www.lyricstage.com. The Press Performances are Saturday, March 28 at8:00pm or Sunday, March 29 at 3:00 p.m.

Even though they attend the same high school, misfits Solomon, Diwata, and Howie have never met. When a shocking scandal involving one of their teachersbrings them together, they form a speech and debate club to make their voices heard. As the unlikely trio negotiates adolescent trials of identity, sexuality, and belonging, they combat pervasive adult hypocrisy and discover that their united voices are stronger than one.

Variety says playwright Stephen Karam's poignant, insightful, and hilarious new black comedy is "bristling with vitality, wicked humor, terrific dialogue, and a direct pipeline into the zeitgeist of contemporary youth."

The cast features Alex Wise as Soloman, Rachael Hunt as Diwata, Chris Conner as Howie, and Maureen Keiller* as the teacher. Speech and Debate's creative team, led by director Jeremy Johnson, includesSkip Curtiss (scenic designer), Mallory Frers (costume designer), Stephen MacIntosh(sound designer), and Margo Caddell (lighting designer). The production stage manager is Dawn Schall* and the assistant stage manager is Amanda Ostrow.
* Denotes members of Actor's Equity Association

Tickets, Group Sales, DiscountsSeason Ticket packages for The Lyric Stage Company are now available in a variety of pricings and multi-show savings.

Season Ticket Holders enjoy exclusive benefits including the best seats, the most savings and a variety of special discounts.Lyric Stage Company Gift Tix are available anytime, and may be redeemed throughout the season. Group sales, senior and student discounts are available. To purchase tickets call 617.585.5678, log on to www.lyricstage.com, or visit The Lyric Stage Company box office.

The Lyric Stage Company is located in the YWCA Building at 140 Clarendon Street, in Boston's Copley Square, between Stuart Street and Columbus Avenue, and is easily accessible via the MBTA's Orange Line (Back Bay Station) or Green Line (CopleyStation).

There are a variety of paid parking lots adjacent, including the Garage at 100 Clarendon offering discounted parking to Lyric Stage Company theatre-goers. Metered parking is also available. The Lyric Stage Company is wheelchair-accessible andassistive listening devices/enlarged program booklets are available free of charge.