Readings of EDGAR ALLEN POE'S FLAWLESS MURDER and MARY MARIE Set for Rubicon, Now thru 6/15

Members of the public are invited to attend free readings of two new plays-in-development at Rubicon Theatre Company tonight, June 8, 9 and 15 as part of Rubicon's continuing Plays-in-Progress series. A new psychological thriller, Edgar Allen Poe's Flawless Murder by Gary W. Marion will be read tonight, June 8 at 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, June 15 at 2:00 p.m., co-produced with Michael Jackowitz and Witz-End Productions. Mary Marie, a new family musical with book by Chana Wise and music by composer Carl Johnson will take place on Sunday, June 9 at 2:00 p.m. (in association with the Academy of New Musical Theatre in North Hollywood).

Edgar Allen Poe's Flawless Murder explores the bizarre circumstances surrounding the death of Poe, which have mystified scholars and historians. Is the charismatic, brilliant Poe a suicidal drug-addict, bereft at the loss of his beautiful young wife who died in the hospital while waiting for treatment? Does his plot to avenge his wife's death backfire, becoming the cause of his demise? Or is Poe poisoned by a jealous colleague whom he publicly humiliated. This fascinating psychological thriller is full of breathtaking turns and shocking surprises. The cast includes Dan Gunther, Jordan Belfi, Lauren Patten, Adrienne Alitowski and Robin Gammell, under the direction of Jenny Sullivan. Edgar Allen Poe's Flawless Murder contains strong language and sexual content and is recommended for mature audiences.

Set just after World War I, Mary Marie follows a bright and free-spirited young woman who is surprisingly philosophical about her parents' divorce. So much so that she looks forward to observing and writing about the various romances they are certain to have now that they are no longer married. But in the process of being shuttled between them, she discovers the experience is not nearly as exciting as she anticipated and she grows confused about romance, friendship, and her own identity. The cast features Caitlin Cohn, Elise Dewsberry, Kendra Munger, Tedd Szeto, and Peter Welkin, with Thomas Griep at the piano. John Henry Davis directs.

Since Plays-in-Progress was inaugurated in 2003, several plays that received readings have gone on to full productions at Rubicon, including Mark Stein's Bad Apples and Mating Dance of the Werewolf, My Antonia by Scott Schwartz, and Daddy Long Legs by Tony and Olivier Award-winner John Caird and Tony nominee Paul Gordon, which has played in 15 U.S. cities and toured internationally to Japan, London and Canada.

Each play receives an initial reading, which is followed by a talkback with audience members. The playwright then edits and refines the material and the work is read a second time. The Plays-in-Progress program offers an opportunity for audiences to participate in the process of new play development. Audience members hear readings, watch actors tackle roles, meet the playwrights, and provide feedback on various aspects of the script. All readings take place at Rubicon Theatre located at 1006 E. Main Street in Ventura's Downtown Cultural District. There is no charge to attend readings, but seats are reserved and subject to availability at the time of request. Advance reservations are recommended. To reserve a seat for any show, contact Rubicon Theatre Box Office at (805) 667-2900 or visit us at www.rubicontheatre.org.