The Understudy Plays TheaterWorks in Downtown Hartford

Andrew Benator is probably the most beloved actor to ever set foot on stage at TheaterWorks. He has performed hilariously and unforgettably in productions including Lobby Hero, Proof, and The SantaLand Diaries. Andrew Benator returns to Hartford this summer in the riotous comedy about the backstage world of theater, The Understudy, by Theresa Rebeck.

Along with Andrew Benator, (Harry) The Understudy features Matthew Montolongo (Jake - seen previously at TheaterWorks in Take Me Out), and Jayne Paterson (Roxanne - TheaterWorks debut). Rob Ruggiero directs The Understudy, the fifth and final play of TheaterWorks' 25th Anniversary Season, which is sponsored by The Roberts Foundation.

The production's design team includes Luke Hegel-Cantarella (Sets), Amy Clark (Costumes), Scott Bolman (Lights), and Vincent Olivieri (Sound). Production Manager is Michael Lenaghan.

OVERVIEW:
Nobody wants to be the poor schmo understudying for the likes of Jude Law, Hugh Jackman, or Denzel Washington. Chances are you'll never go on, and if you do, most of the audience will probably leave. The Understudy, by Theresa Rebeck takes a fast, funny, pithy, and poignantly amusing peek at the vagaries of show business. Full of knowing jibes about life in the theater, The Understudy provides a dazzlingly funny look at people trying to do what they love best ... against overwhelming odds!

STORYLINE:
An "undiscovered masterpiece" by Franz Kafka in its Broadway premiere is the hilarious and apropos setting for Theresa Rebeck's exploration of the existential vagaries of show business and life. Charged with running the understudy rehearsal for the production, Roxanne finds her professional and personal life in collision when Harry, an itinerant actor and her ex-fiancé, is cast as the understudy to Jake, a Hollywood action star yearning for the legitimacy of being on stage. As Harry and Jake find their common ground, Roxanne tries to manage the rehearsal with a stoned lightboard operator, an omnipresent intercom system, producers threatening to shutter the show, and her own careening feelings about both actors and her past. Hanging over all of this is the essential question in the world of theater: "Will the show go on?".

When:
August 5 through September 18, 2011

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays: 7:30 p.m.

Fridays and Saturdays:
8:00 p.m.

Weekend Matinees:
2:30 p.m.

Press Opening is Friday, August 12 at 8:00 p.m.
Lobby and Gallery of American Art, sponsored by The Hartford Financial Services Group, opens 90 minutes prior to curtain; seating starts 60 minutes prior.
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A free matinee for college students & faculty is offered Saturday, August 20th at 2:30 p.m. sponsored by Bank of America.

Where:
TheaterWorks
City Arts on Pearl - 233 Pearl Street in Downtown Hartford

Admission: Weeknights / Matinees
$40

Friday / Saturday Evenings $50

Center Reserved Service Charge $12.50

College-age Student Rush w/ID $15 (subject to availability)

Discounts are available for groups of 15 or more.

For seats call (860) 527-7838.

Free seats for select performances of The Understudy are available for young people ages 15 - 17 thanks to Lincoln Financial Foundation.

The Understudy, the fifth and final play of TheaterWorks' 2010-2011

Season, is sponsored by The Roberts Foundation

Subscriptions for TheaterWorks UPCOMING 2011-2012 Season are only $139. With TheaterWorks' unique subscription system patrons may attend a play any time they wish during its run, and are credited with free seats if they ever miss a play.

For more information, visit www.theaterworkshartford.org

TheaterWorks receives special program support from Aetna, Bank of America, The Hartford Financial Services Group, Lincoln Financial Foundation, Travelers, and United Technologies Corporation, as well as general support from the Greater Hartford Arts Council, Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism, and Hartford Foundation for Public Giving.