Photo Flash: Meet the Stars of SEX WITH STRANGERS at Stage West

Olivia Lago, a talented and reclusive writer whose first novel was not a success, has holed up at a bed and breakfast in Michigan to work on her second novel. She's just settled in, when what she thought would be her private space is invaded by the brash and attractive Ethan Kane, who had also booked a room, but was delayed by the oncoming blizzard. Turns out he's a writer also, a widely-followed sex blogger working on a screenplay. She's not thrilled to have company, but his charm is kind of irresistible. Plus he's read-and loved-her first book. After a lot of banter--and a bottle of wine--their mutual attraction leads them exactly where you might expect. Over the next couple of days, Ethan convinces Olivia to put her first novel out there again, self-publishing under a new title and a pseudonym. It'll be a win for each of them if it works-she'll reach a new audience and he'll have the cachet of having discovered a promising new talent.

It all seems perfect. But how well do they really know each other? Is he that charming guy from the cabin-or the less savory guy from his blog and books? And can their relationship survive their diverging ambitions? This provocative comedy takes a sharp look at identity in the digital age, and what happens when our private lives become public domain.

Sex with Strangers will be directed by Jim Covault, retired Stage West Artistic Director and Co-Producer, now the Artistic Director and Executive Producer for Orchard Theatre of Texas. Ethan will be played by Jake Buchanan, just seen at Stage West as KJ and Jasper in The Aliens, while Olivia will be played by Stage West Executive Producer Dana Schultes, last on our stage in Wait Until Dark.

Set Design will be by Kevin Brown, with lighting design by Kyle Harris, and sound design by John Flores. Costumes will be designed by Ryan D. Schapp, with props/set décor by Lynn Lovett.

Sex with Strangers will preview Thursday, June 22 at 7:30 and Friday, June 23 at 8:00, and will run through Sunday, July 23. Ticket prices range from $31 to $35, with discounts for the preview performance, and for students, seniors, and military. Reservations and information are available through the Box Office (817-784-9378), or on the website, www.stagewest.org.

NOTE: This show contains strong language and adult situations.

Photo Credit: Evan Michael Woods

Dana Schultes and Jake Buchanan
Dana Schultes and Jake Buchanan
Jake Buchanan and Dana Schultes
Jake Buchanan and Dana Schultes
Dana Schultes and Jake Buchanan