Interact Theatre Company Presents NICE FISH

Interact Theatre Company has announced their production of Nice Fish by Mark Rylance and Louis Jenkins. Directed by Rob Brownstein and Anita Khanzadian, opening is set for Friday, February 16, at 8:30pm. The cast will feature (in alphabetical order) Kristen Egermeier, Don Fischer, Rick Friesen, Barry Heins, and Tamika Simpkins. The run will continue through March 25 only.

On a frozen Minnesota lake, the ice is beginning to creak and groan. It's the end of the fishing season, and two old friends are out on the ice, angling for something big - something down there that is pure need. Something that might just swallow them whole. Nice Fish is a sublimely reflective, profound, and funny play. Variety called Nice Fish, "A compact, unpretentious play;" and The Hollywood Reporter said, "Nice Fish is a great catch ... its whimsical observational humor is consistently amusing." The Observer (UK) enthused, "Brilliant ... the writing is stunning ... the language is just gorgeous."

Nice Fish has been seen at the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis, American Repertory Theatre in Boston, St. Ann's Warehouse in Brooklyn, New York, and at the Harold Pinter Theatre in London's West End. The Interact Theatre Company production will be only the fifth time the play has been performed professionally.

Scenic design is by Evan Bartoletti, lighting design is by Carol Doehring, and costume design is by Carolyn Mazuka. Puppet design is by Stevie Anne Nemazee, prop design is by Eric Babb, and the stage manager is Gina De Luca. Nice Fish is produced for Interact Theatre Company by Keaton Shapiro.

Mark Rylance is an award-winning actor, theatre director, and playwright. He was the first artistic director of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London (1995-2005). He has won numerous honors for his acting and directing including three Tony Awards, an Oscar, an Olivier Award, a BAFTA Award, a Drama Desk Award, and the New York Film Critics Circle Award. He is the author of I Am Shakespeare. Rylance is currently appearing on Broadway to rave reviews in Farinelli and the King. Louis Jenkins is an American poet. Along with Nice Fish, his other works include North of the Cities, Sea Smoke, Before You Know It, The Winter Road, Just Above Water, and Tin Flag. He has been a favorite guest on A Prairie Home Companion and has also been featured on The Writer's Almanac.

Nice Fish opens on Friday, February 16 at 8:30pm. The regular performance schedule is Friday and Saturday at 8:30pm and Sunday at 4pm through March 25. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased online at www.interactla.org or by telephone at (818) 765-8732. Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles is located at 1238 W. 1st Street in Los Angeles, 90026.