Katsalas Theatre Company Begins Previews for INFLUENCE, 2/26

The Katselas Theatre Company will be presenting the world premiere of Shem Bitterman's Influence.  Directed by Steve Zuckerman, the dark comedy opens Saturday, March 6 at 8PM at the Skylight Theatre- previews begin February 26. Ticket are $25 for general admission and $15 for students. For reservations, call (310) 358-9936.

The plot revolves around corruption in the offices of World Bank, the world's premier development agency, as a young, idealistic Midwesterner falls under the influence of the bank's powerful new Director. Loosely inspired by Paul Wolfowitz's brief tenure as World Bank Director, INFLUENCE is the final play in Bitterman's celebrated Iraq War trilogy, which also includes the plays, HARM'S WAY and MAN.GOV. The production stars acclaimed film/television/stage actor, Alan Rosenberg.

Shem Bitterman is the author of over 30 produced plays and screenplays. An alumnus of Julliard, where he studied acting, Shem got his M.F.A. in Dramatic Writing at University of Iowa. Under his direction, The Job won the LA Times Critic's Circle Award for Best New Play in 1998 and transferred to off-Broadway; it also won The Stanley Award and was published by Samuel French and Smith & Kraus in their Best New Plays of 1998. Other plays include: Harm's Way, at Circus Theatricals, 2008 Pen USA Award, published by Dramatic Publishing, man.gov at Circus Theatricals, 2006 LA Weekly Nominee for Best Play, Sensitive Skin at The Elephant Theatre, The Circle, at Circus Theatricals, 2005 Pen USA Finalist, directed by Shem; Ten Below, at the WPA, winner National Play Award, starring Kevin Conway and Anthony Edwards; Peephole at Geva, winner Davie Award, subsequently made into a movie with Shem directing; Night-Side, Actor's Theatre of Louisville starring Pamela Gien; The Ramp at South Coast Rep, winner California Playwright's Competition; Beijing Legends at The Mark Taper Forum and the Pacific Jewish Theatre, winner Fund For New American Plays; Self Storage at the Odyssey, subsequently made into the film Tinsletown; Iowa Boys at The Actor's Studio, winner CBS/FDG New Plays Award.

The Katselas Theatre Company continues the mission statement set forth by Milton Katselas and Camelot Artists. Working primarily with actors and directors of the Beverly Hills Playhouse, as well as with Los Angeles-based professionals, The Katselas Theatre Company produces stage work inspired by the best work from the BHP's renowned classes as well as turning outside to directors and writers looking for scripts and productions with the emphasis on Los Angeles and World Premiere events. In addition, the theatre company plays host to musicians, poets, and dancers in its continuing dedication to creating theatrical works that benefit the broader Los Angeles community and contribute to its vibrant arts life.

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