Bay Street Players to Present RED, Opening 2/21

Red, a drama Josh Logan, will open at the State Theatre in downtown Eustis on February 21 and run through February 24. Called "a visceral exercise in art appreciation" by the New York Times, Red tells the story of artist Mark Rothko, and his commission in 1958 to paint a series of murals for the Four Seasons restaurant in New York. The play explores the heart of a controversial artist and the compromises that must sometimes be made between art and the need to survive. This production features long-time friends and collaborators Terrence Shank and Joel Warren.

First produced by the Donmar Warehouse, London in December 2009, the original production was directed by Michael Grandage and performed by Alfred Molina as Rothko and Eddie Redmayne as Ken. It then transferred to Broadway at the John Golden Theater for a limited engagement. It was the 2010 Tony Award winner for Best Play.

This Bay Street Players production will mark the second time Terrence Shank and Joel Warren have been reunited onstage, the last time being the Second Stage production of Visiting Mr. Green in the 2010-2011 season. Mr. Shank was the Artistic Director at Mount Dora's IceHouse Theatre in 1996 when the Joel Warren, then 13 years old, first performed on that stage. Throughout Mr. Warren's education, Mr. Shank was his mentor, director and friend. Now a resident of South Africa, Mr. Shank is back to visit family.

Curtain times for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, February 21-23, are at 8:00pm. Curtain time for Sunday, February 24 is at 2:00pm. All tickets are $10. The State Theatre is located at 109 N. Bay Street in downtown Eustis. Call the box office at 352-357-7777 for information or tickets, or purchase tickets online at baystreetplayers.org.