Photo Flash: THE MASCOT Set for World Premiere at Living Room Theatre

Agile Rabbit Productions has announced casting and creatives for the world premiere original new comedy, THE MASCOT. Written by Jerry Hickey, the production is helmed by esteemed director (and KU professor) Peter Zazalli. Kansas City favorite Sam Cordes assumes the title role and is joined by Emma Katherine Carter, Coleman Crenshaw, Jen Mays, Matt Rapport, and Hollis Wilhoit, along with Alisa Lynn, Jake Gillespie, and Matthew Michael. The play will also feature an original score composed by Jon Robertson. Playwright/Producer Jerry Hickey says "I'm thrilled and proud to make KC the new home for The Mascot. The community here has a commitment to the arts overall (and theatre specifically) unlike anywhere I have seen in the country. The quality of the actors and artistic team are simply world-class. And the KC folk don't just welcome, but actually seek out innovative new works. There's no one I'd rather see my play for the first time than the lovely people of Kansas City, who have welcomed me like one of their own." THE MASCOT will play The Living Room Theatre from April 5 - 29. Tickets start at $20 and are available by visiting www.TheMascotPlay.com or by calling 816.550.0748.

ABOUT THE PLAY
The Mascot is a hilarious coming-of-age story about an obsessive father, a starry-eyed son, and the drama that ensues when a father's pursuit of his unfulfilled aspirations torpedo the dream of his son. Knute is an acquiescent teenager who has been accepted into the theatre program at the arch-nemesis of his father Darby's revered university. Darby proposes a deal: If Knute stays and becomes the school's celebrated leprechaun mascot he will receive a substantial payoff when he graduates. Knute complies, but first negotiates an escape clause where he can transfer to his dream university in southern California if he finishes second or third.

For Knute, defeating the dozens of competitors would be easy. But placing third is hard. Staying there is even harder, thanks to Darby and Knute's roommate Dooley, a leprechaun extremist hell-bent on becoming the mascot himself. Knute's sole salvation is Dia, a goth coed who lives in the convent off-campus and knows a thing or two about dealing with mascot-wannabes. The play's unconventional and unforgettable characters will quickly prove if there's one thing they can win at... it's losing. The play is recommended for mature audiences.

ABOUT THE PLAYWRIGHT

Jerry Hickey grew up in the house owned by legendary Notre Dame football coach Knute Rockne, and his ancestor was the legend's godfather. Jerry's father and all his father's brothers graduated from Notre Dame. In fact, Jerry's cousin opted to give up his roster spot on the Notre Dame football team so the real-life RUDY could play. Against its better judgment, this esteemed university even awarded Jerry a bachelor's degree. Jerry trained in playwriting at Chicago Dramatists and Victory Gardens Theatres. He is a member of the Dramatist's Guild, is a network playwright for Chicago Dramatists, and is also a graduate of Northwestern University

Photo Credit: Manon Halliburton