A HATFUL OF RAIN Begins A Katselas Theatre Company's 2009-10 Season 7/25

The Katselas Theatre Company (formerly Camelot Artists) continues its 2009-2010 Season with the revival of Michael V. Gazzo's critically acclaimed stage drama, A Hatful of Rain. Originally produced on Broadway in 1956, this work is one of the earliest plays after World War II to address substance abuse and its destructive effect on personal relationships. The New York Times declared it..."a powerful piece of theatre." In its 1993 revival, Variety affirmed, "...with a satisfying combination of solid craftsmanship and raw honesty, it's a play that has withstood the test of time very well." Directed by Dean Kreyling, A Hatful of Rain opens Saturday, July 25 at Skylight Theatre. Producing is Gary Grossman.

Michael V. Gazzo was a member of The Actors Studio in New York during the 1950s, coaching such future stars as Deborah Winger and Henry Silva. Despite the great critical acclaim he received for penning A Hatful of Rain and co-writing the screenplay for the Elvis Presley vehicle, King Creole in 1958, Gazzo quit writing in favor of stage work in New York. In 1974, Gazzo re-emerged as a film character actor, winning an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Frankie Pentageli in The Godfather II.

Dean Kreyling is a student of acting and directing at the Beverly Hills Playhouse, founded by Milton Katselas. Directing credits include Jerry And Tom, Savage In Limbo and Beirut for the New York stage. For LA, Dean has directed Signs and Arrows and Forgiveness as part of Camelot Artists New Voices original one-act festival. Acting credits include The L-Word, My Best Friend's Girl. Dean was last seen on the Sci Fi Channel starring in the feature film 100 Million B.C.
The cast of A Hatful of Rain includes Joseph Cardinale, Vanessa Celso, David Crane, Chris Devlin, Gadi Erel, Tania Gonzalez, Alicia Klein, Aaron Leddick, James Lyons, Ludwig Manukian, Eddie Navarro, Jeremy Radin, Stephanie Thompson and Tommy Villafranca.

A Hatful of Rain previews are July 17, 18, 19, 24. Opening Weekend is Saturday, July 25 at 8pm,
Sunday July 26 at 7pm. Performances continue Fri, Sat at 8 pm, Sun at 7pm, until Sunday, August 23, 2009. Skylight Theatre is located at 1816 Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027. Ticket Prices are: General - $25; students - $15. For tickets call: 310-358-9936.

For more information visit www.katselastheatre.org