PALOMINO To Replace TYNAN As 3rd Production Of Center Theatre Group Season

Virtuosic writer-performer David Cale will bring his latest work to the Center Theatre Group/Kirk Douglas Theatre this spring when his "Palomino" replaces the previously announced "Tynan" as the third production of the Douglas' 2009-2010 season, it was announced today by CTG Artistic Director Michael Ritchie.

The West Coast premiere of "Palomino," written, performed and directed by David Cale, will begin previews May 7, open on May 13, and have performances through June 6, 2010.

"Tynan," which features Malcolm McDowell, has been postponed due to conflicts with McDowell's schedule.

"We remain excited about presenting this play with Malcolm and expect to find a time to present it in an upcoming season," said Ritchie.

"David Cale is a world-class artist and an exceptional raconteur," Ritchie continued. "I'm a huge fan of his work and very pleased that we can present his newest piece here at the Douglas."

In his play "Palomino," Cale portrays seven people in a sensuous tale that follows Kieren McGrath, a beautiful, literate, and mysterious Irish Central Park carriage driver. Kieren dreams of writing a book, and when the opportunity to become an escort to rich, lonely women in New York City comes up, he's found his subject. Or has he?

The multi?talented Cale is best known for his solo works "A Likely Story," "Deep in a Dream of You," "Smooch Music," "The Redthroats" (which was presented by CTG in the 1988 Taper, Too season), and the Obie Award?winning "Lillian." His monologues have been featured on Public Radio's "This American Life" and NPR's "The Next Big Thing." His musical, "Floyd and Clea Under the Western Sky," for which he wrote the book, lyrics, co-composed the music and played Floyd, received an Outer Critics Circle nomination for Outstanding New Off-Broadway Musical. As a lyricist, his words have been sung by Elvis Costello, Deborah Harry and the Jazz Passengers. As an actor he performed on Broadway in "The Threepenny Opera" and most recently starred in the off-Broadway production of "Mouth to Mouth" at The New Group. He has appeared in films including "Two Lovers," "Pollock" and most notably, playing the homeless drifter Studebaker in "The Slaughter Rule," opposite David Morse and Ryan Gosling.

Steven Winn of the San Francisco Chronicle has written that "David Cale . . . is a spellbinder. Fascinating as he is to watch, and exquisite as his verbal imagery can be, it is Cale's gifts as a storyteller that hold an audience rapt."

Scenic design for "Palomino" is by Takeshi Kata, costume design by Laura Bauer, lighting design by Beverly Emmons, sound design by Andre Pluess and projection design by Jason H. Thompson. The production stage manager is William Joseph Barnes.

"Palomino" was commissioned by the Long Wharf Theatre and had its world premiere at Kansas City Repertory Theatre in October 2009. "Palomino" was developed, in part, with the assistance of The Sundance Institute Theatre Program.

Tickets for "Palomino" are on sale now and available by calling (213) 628-2772, online at www.CenterTheatreGroup.org/Palomino, in person at the Center Theatre Group box office at the Ahmanson Theatre or two hours prior to performances at the Kirk Douglas Theatre box office. Current ticketholders for "Tynan" will be able to use the same tickets for "Palomino."

Prior to the presentation of "Palomino" at the Douglas Theatre is the world premiere production of Lisa Kron's "The Wake," currently in previews and opening March 28. The play will continue performances through April 18.

The Kirk Douglas Theatre is located at 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232.

Ample free parking is available (weekends and after 6 p.m. on weekdays).at the City Hall, located behind the theatre on Culver Blvd. and Duquesne Ave.

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