Stage West to Present INTERNATIONAL FALLS, 2/26-3/15

Stage West will present playwright/screenwriter Thomas Ward's play International Falls in the Studio at Stage West. The play will begin Thursday, February 26 and run through Sunday, March 15.

International Falls is the story of Tim, a burned-out standup comedian, and Dee, an unsatisfied hotel desk clerk, who hook up following his comedy show. What begins as an unassuming one-night stand turns into an unexpected connection, as they talk comic theory, marriage, parenthood, religion...and fart jokes. The line between comedy and tragedy is blurred as both characters are forced to ask the inevitable post-coital question, "Now what?"

The play, which contains strong language and adult situations, was highly praised by critics during WaterTower Theatre's Out of the Loop Festival in 2012, and audiences will find this piece engrossing, funny, and touching. Playwright Ward notes, "While this play isn't autobiographical, it is the most personal because it portrays an artist dealing with frustration, depression, and complex relationships. I also like seeing broad (sometimes foul) humor emerging in dark places."

Thomas Ward has received several honors for his writing, including the distinction of Atlanta's Best New Play for his play Keeping Watch. His play Binge premiered at the Out of the Loop Festival in 2010 and went on to subsequent productions in New York. He also received accolades for his short film In the Middle (featuring wife Sherry Jo Ward) and the independent feature film Sironia (co-written with Brandon Dickerson and Wes Cunningham), both of which are appearing in film festivals across the country.

The production will be directed by Stage West's production and marketing assistant, Garret Storms. Playwright Thomas Ward, just seen at Stage West and WaterTower Theatre as Harry Percy in The Explorers Club, will play Tim, while his wife Sherry Jo Ward, most recently seen as Barbara in August, Osage County at WaterTower, will play Dee.

Set design and lighting design will be handled by Garret Storms and Nate Davis, with sound design by Garret Storms and Thomas Ward. Props and set décor are by Garret Storms and Lynn Lovett.

International Falls will begin Thursday, February 26 at 7:30, and will run through Sunday, March 15. Performance times will be Thursday evenings at 7:30, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00, with Sunday matinees at 3:00. Ticket prices are $25 regular, with seniors 65+ and season subscribers at $20, and students or under 30 at $15. Reservations and information are available through the Box Office (817-784-9378), or on the website, www.stagewest.org.