Carpenter, Graae, Margherita et al. to Star in Blank Theatre's SEE WHAT I WANNA SEE, 4/17-5/23

Casting is complete and rehearsals have begun for The Blank Theatre Company's third and final production of its 19th season, Michael John LaChiusa's See What I Wanna See. Directed by The Blank's Artistic Director Daniel Henning, with musical direction by David O, See What I Wanna See will begin preview performances on Saturday, April 10, 2010 and is set to open on Saturday, April 17 at 8pm. The engagement will run through Sunday, May 23.

The cast, in alphabetical order, features Doug Carpenter (Life Could Be A Dream at the Hudson Mainstage Theatre and Camelot at the Pasadena Playhouse), Jason Graae (original casts of Forever Plaid and Forbidden Hollywood), Lesli Margherita (winner of the 2009 Laurence Olivier Award for her performance in Zorro at London's Garrick Theatre), Perry Ojeda (On the Town, Imaginary Friends and Blood Brothers on Broadway), and Suzan Solomon (Bubbling Brown Sugar, Let My People Come at New York's Village Gate).

See What I Wanna See is about lust, greed, murder, faith, and redemption. It is based on three short stories that unfold like a Japanese screen painting. In "Kesa and Morito," set in medieval Japan, two lovers sing of the ecstasy and torment of their affair. "R Shomon," set in 1951 New York City, follows the investigation of a crime of passion and the witnesses' contradicting versions of the event. "Gloryday," set in present day New York, presents a priest during a crisis of faith after a terrible tragedy strikes the city. This fascinating musical asks the question, "What is truth?" You'll be amazed by the kaleidoscope of answers. Michael John LaChiusa is considered one of today's most intelligent and innovative musical theatre composers. "This smoky, sexy saga, enhanced by La Chiusa's muscular, jazzy score flecked with Japanese influences and tough, punchy lyrics, make See What I Wanna See a highly original, innovative journey," said the Associated Press of the original 2005 off-Broadway production at New York's Public Theater.

The set design for See What I Wanna See is by Ginnie Ann Held, costume design is by Dana Peterson, and the lighting design is by Jeremy Pivnick. The producers are Stacy Reed, Noah Wyle and Jon Van Middlesworth.

Preview performances of See What I Wanna See are Saturday, April 10 at 8pm, Sunday, April 11 at 2pm, and Tuesday, April 13 - Friday, April 16 at 8pm. Opening night is set for Saturday, April 17 at 8:00. THE MEDIA IS INVITED TO ATTEND THE SPECIAL PRESS PREVIEW NIGHT ON FRIDAY 4/16, BUT IS ALSO WELCOME AT ANY OTHER PERFORMANCE AFTER THAT DATE. The regular performance schedule is Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 2pm through May 23. All preview seats are $30; regular performance prices are $30 on Thursday and Sunday, $34.99 on Friday and Saturday. Tickets may be purchased by calling (323) 661-9827 or online at www.TheBlank.com.

The Blank's Second Stage Theatre is located at 6500 Santa Monica Boulevard (at Wilcox), in Hollywood. Secured valet parking is available.