Malibu Playhouse Presents MONSTER

Malibu Playhouse presents a six-week run, October 12 through November 13, of "Monster" a "You, the Jury," performance, a unique West of Broadway/Malibu Playhouse co-production, written and produced by Diane Namm, where the audience acts as the jury in a staged courtroom drama and votes for the innocence or guilt of the defendant. "Monster" written by Walter Dean Myers, was a National Book Award finalist and is found on most high school reading lists.

A special art exhibit of Fan Art for Dick Van Dyke will be on display to celebrate the launch of his autobiography "Keep Moving" and upcoming 90th birthday in December. Van Dyke is not only a film and television Hollywood legend, but he is also the Executive Creative Producer of the Malibu Playhouse. Exhibit dates: October 2-11, with Friday night opening for Malibu Playhouse members and VIP guests. Attendees of "Monster" can view the exhibit in The Annex for free.

"Monster" is the story of the murder trial of Steve Harmon, a 16-year-old African-American boy, who is accused of murder for allegedly acting as the lookout in a robbery gone bad. It is a powerful story made more so by the fact that the students get to vote and be involved in the show. Adapted and Produced by Diane Namm. Directed by Shoshana Kuttner, the shows are by appointment only. This is an interactive, production designed to generate social and civic responsibility through stage geared for fourth to 12th grade (elementary, middle and high school) students. There will be a Q&A for the audience with an attorney after the show.

"I believe in the power of theater as an educational tool as well as a way to provide thought-provoking, entertaining and transformational arts programming. 'Monster' provides an incredible opportunity for young people to gain experiential knowledge of what will one day be one of their great social and civic responsibilities; to participate in a jury of their peers. I know of no better way to engage students in this process, than to speak directly to their hearts and give them a firsthand experience of what being in a courtroom and on a jury is really like." Shoshana Kuttner, Director and CEO Young Actor's Project.

West of Broadway's Mission Statement includes promoting social and civic responsibility through stage. To that end, Diane Namm created the "You, the Jury," stage performance series. In February 2009, at the Pasadena Playhouse, Namm adapted and directed the world premiere of "Monster" based on National Book Award finalist Walter Dean Myers' young adult novel. Subsequent "You, the Jury" stage performances included "12 Angry Jurors," an adaptation of the classic stage play by Reginald Rose, and "Judgment at Nuremburg," with an all-star cast that included Katharine Ross, Drake Hogestyn, Patrick Ian Williams and Rafael Noble.