Katselas Presents THE JESUS HICKEY World Premiere, Opens 6/12

The Katselas Theatre Company continues its 2010 Season with the World Premiere of "The Jesus Hickey," a modern day fable about the seduction of celebrity. Written and directed by Luke Yankee, the production stars acclaimed film/television/stage actor Harry Hamlin. Producing is Gary Grossman. The production premieres Saturday, June 12 at the Skylight Theatre in Hollywood.

Award-winning actor Harry Hamlin portrays Sean Flynn, a tough Irish laborer whose daughter becomes a national superstar when it is discovered that a "hickey" on her neck is shaped in the image of Jesus. The cast includes Aviva, Roddy Jessup, Tom Killam, Aaron Leddick, Anastasia Lofgren, Greg Safel and Barbara Tarbuck.

Harry Hamlin starred as Perseus in the original 1981 cult classic, "Clash of the Titans," with Lawrence Olivier, as well as in the ground-breaking and controversial 1982 feature, "Making Love." Hamlin received three consecutive Golden Globe nominations for his role as attorney Michael Kuzak on Steven Bochco's Emmy winning hit TB series, "L.A. Law." More recently, he portrayed the debonair yet troubled actor Aaron Echolls on the critically acclaimed CW hit, "Veronica Mars." Hamlin's stage credits include: the title role in Princeton's McCarter Theatre production of Hamlet; Faust in the McCarter production of "Faustes In Hell;" Moe Axelrod in the Broadway revival of Clifford Odets' "Awake and Sing" at The Circle in the Square Theatre; and Dr. John Buchanan in the Broadway revival of Tennessee William's "Summer and Smoke" at the Roundabout Theatre.

Luke Yankee is the author of the critically acclaimed memoir, "Just Outside the Spotlight." His first play, "A Place at Forest Lawn" (co-written with James Bontempo), is the winner of the New Noises Award and the Palm Springs International Playwriting Competition, and is published by Dramatists Play Service. "The Jesus Hickey" is the winner of the TRU Voices Award as well as the Joel and Phyllis Ehrlich Award, given for "a socially relevant, commercially viable new work of theatre." Yankee's Off-Broadway and regional theatre directing credits include: "The Cherry Orchard" with Cynthia Nixon; "Driving Miss Daisy" with Eileen Heckart; "Nite Club Confidential" with Barbara Eden; "Private Lives" with David Canary; and "Oleanna" (Carbonnell Award nomination as Best Director).

The production design team includes: Jeff McLaughlin (Set and Light Design); Joanie Coyote (Costume Design); Bob Blackburn (Sound Design).

"The Jesus Hickey" previews are June 4, 5,6,11. Opening Weekend is Saturday, June 12 at 8PM, Sunday, June 13 at 2PM. Performances continue Fridays and Saturdays at 8PM, Sundays at 2PM, until July 18 (revised from original announced closing date of July 11). The Skylight Theatre is located at 1816 North Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027. Ticket Prices are: General - $25; students and seniors- $15. For tickets call: 310-358-9936. For General Information: www.katselastheatre.org

The Katselas Theatre Company
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.

Photo Credit: Ed Krieger