Photo Flash: THE SCHOOL OF NIGHT Opens 11/9 at the Mark Taper Forum

The mystery of Christopher Marlowe's stabbing some 400 years ago is explored in Peter Whelan's political thriller opening November 9, 2008, at 6:30 p.m. at the Center Theatre Group/Mark Taper Forum.  Directed by Bill Alexander, the American premiere continues through December 17.  (Previews began October 30.)

 "The School of Night" provides a fascinating twist to the centuries-old mystery of the sudden and tragically early death of Christopher Marlowe, who was perhaps England's greatest dramatist before the rise of his contemporary, William Shakespeare. Marlowe's last year of life was filled with intrigue and treachery. Beyond his literary genius, Marlowe became legendary for his reckless vitality, his singular allegiance to freedom of artistic expression and his willingness to stand out from convention as an atheist, a homosexual and a member of a society of free-thinkers – the School of Night. As the play cleverly points out, these traits made him a marked man. Was he really murdered in a barroom brawl on May 30, 1593, or was he involved in a deeper conspiracy on that eventful night?

The cast of "The School of Night" includes (in alphabetical order) Michael Bakkensen, Ian Bedford, Tymberlee Chanel, Paula Christensen, Mark H. Dold, Johnny Giacalone, Michael Kirby, Adrian LaTourelle, Henri Lubatti, Jon Monastero, Rob Nagle, Richard Robichaux, Alicia Roper, John Sloan, Nick Toren and Gregory Wooddell.

The set design is by Simon Higlett, costume design is by Robert Perdziola, lighting design is by Russell H. Champa, sound design is by Cricket S. Myers and Ilona Sekacz is the composer. Casting is by Erika Sellin and the production stage manager is David S. Franklin. This production is presented in association with Mike Merrick and Edward Rissien.

"The School of Night" is the final production of the 2007-08 CTG/Mark Taper Forum season.  The 2009 season begins with "Pippin," a co-production with Deaf West Theatre, with book by Roger O. Hirson and music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz.  Directed and choreographed by Jeff Calhoun, "Pippin" begins previews on January 15, opens January 25 and continues through March 15, 2009.

Tickets for "The School of Night" are available by calling (213) 628-2772 or online at www.CenterTheatreGroup.org, or at the Center Theatre Group box office at the Music Center.

Hot Tix at $20 each can be purchased in advance or, subject to availability, on the day of performance at the box office (cash or credit card only).  For groups, call (213) 972-7231.  Deaf community:  information and charge, TDD (213) 680-4017.

The Mark Taper Forum is located at the Music Center of Los Angeles County, 135 N. Grand Avenue, in downtown L.A

Gregory Wooddell

Rob Nagle and John Sloan

Gregory Wooddell and Tymberlee Chanel

Photos by Craig Schwartz