Wasatch Theatrical Ventures to Present INHERIT THE WIND, 2/8-3/16

By: Feb. 04, 2014
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Wasatch Theatrical Ventures will present one of the great American plays of the 20th century, INHERIT THE WIND, written by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee, directed by the award-winning Kiff Scholl, produced by Racquel Lehrman/Theatre Planners. In a small town courtroom and with the eyes of the nation upon them, two legal giants face off over a teacher's right to teach evolution to a high school class in this critically acclaimed drama based on the Scopes Monkey Trial. As rousing and relevant today as it was when it debuted in 1955, INHERIT THE WIND is an edge-of-your-seat riveting look at the age-old conflict between science and religion. The play opens Friday, February 8th and runs through March 16th at the Grove Theatre Center in Burbank, CA.

KIFF SCHOLL (Director) has directed dozens of plays in LA since arriving 20 years ago including Our House, Expecting to Fly, Hyper-Chondriac, All My Sons, Circle X 10 Minute Play Fest, Kill Me, Deadly and Shake at NOTE and Don Giovanni Tonight, Don Carlo Tomorrow at Sacred Fools, for which the LA Times said "Director Kiff Scholl has few peers at keeping us intrigued". Kiff was also listed as "one of LA's emerging and accomplished stage directors" by the LA Weekly. His shows have won 7 Back Stage Garland awards, 5 LA Weekly awards, a GLAAD nom, and an Ovation Award. An award-winning filmmaker, his feature Scream of the Bikini won numerous awards, including a Maverick Movie Award for Best Director). Kiff acts mostly in commercials, and on stage (Our Class / Absolutely Filthy). A documentary about his 'Car Play,' The Audience, premieres at the Sebastopol Documentary Festival this March.

About the PRODUCTION TEAM
WASATCH THEATRICAL VENTURES (Executive Producer) is a not-for-profit company established in 2010 fueled by a passion to produce great American plays, exclusively penned by established American Playwrights and to present those plays in intimate theatres, where the dynamic between audience and actor is unique. WTV takes pride in presenting intimate theater with the highest level of production values while making the plays available to the public at low ticket prices. WTV's ultimate goal is to make all of this possible, and to support the creative theater community that brings it to life.

WTV has produced four major productions in Los Angeles since its inception: Arthur Miller's All My Sons, The Prisoner of Second Avenueby Neil Simon, the West Coast Premiere of Theresa Rebeck's Our House, and most recently The Diary of Anne Frank by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett, newly adapted by Wendy Kesselman. All of the productions have received critical acclaim and were well-received by audience members alike. http://www.wasatchtheatricalventures.com/Home.html

RACQUEL LEHRMAN, THEATRE PLANNERS (Producer) is the founder and managing director of Theatre Planners, her own theatre production/PR firm which has been serving the Los Angeles theatre scene for almost ten years. She graduated from NYU-Tisch School of the Arts and lived in NY for many years producing theatre. Theatre Planners has since developed into a very busy and successful outlet for actors, writers, producers and theatre companies. Doing everything from producing, publicity, consulting, marketing and more. Racquel loves to make productions a reality and help to keep the theatre scene in LA alive and strong. Racquel is also the owner of the LOUNGE THEATRES in Hollywood on Theatre Row. To learn more about Racquel and Theatre Planners go to www.theatreplanners.com

VICTORIA WATSON, THEATRE PLANNERS (Associate Producer) began her work in theater as a performer, then found her love of production in school at Tulane University. She has produced, stage managed, and swept stages all over the country at this point, and is thrilled to now be a part of Theatre Planners. Victoria was previously Operations Manager and Associate Producer at Pasadena Playhouse, and is also currently Managing Director for Fierce Backbone, www. fiercebackbone.com. To learn more about Theatre Planners please go to
www.theatreplanners.com.

About THE CAST

DONALD AGNELLI (Judge) is a native of the San Francisco Bay Area and has been performing professionally for more than 25 years. Stage: LA Weekly Award nomination
for Theatre of NOTE's production of Poulet Giganticus. Other LA stage credits include Othello, God's Country, Richard III, Walking Wounded, and The Pugilist Specialist. Film: "Feeding", the 48-Hour Film Festival Ensemble Winner "The Emerald Sun", and "Jack & Jill". Television: "The Young & the Restless", "Castle", "Criminal Minds", "Punk'd", and "General Hospital."


MARK BELNICK (Drummond) most recently directed Wendy Kesselman's adaptation of THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK which garnered good reviews and three Broadway World Award nominations. Mark has been performing/directing since childhood. Although theatre has always been his first love, it is his second career. After law school, Mark rose to senior litigation partner in one of the nation's pre-eminent law firms (Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison). In 1987, Mark served as Deputy Chief Counsel to the US Senate Iran/Contra Investigation, appearing frequently in nationally televised hearings. He also handled numerous other high-profile cases. He returned to Theatre several years ago. He is a member of the Broadway partnerships that co- produced the Tony Award-winners THE PRODUCERS, GYPSY (rev.), and A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC (rev.). Major NY and LA Theatre Credits: OUR HOUSE, ALL MY SONS, A FEW GOOD MEN, THE PRISONER OF SECOND AVENUE, CONFUSIONS OF TORLESS, A SHOW ABOUT NOTHING,THE LOBOS, SHAKESPEARE IN CONCERT, CARAPACE ISLE, OOH VICAR, WHERE'S YOUR TROUSERS, HENRY VI,PT.1. Films: "Lucretia" (HBO Latino Film Festival Selection), "Edgar & Edna", "Buttterfingers". Mark is a University Lecturer at Princeton, Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers, and just completed a Visiting Professorship at Pepperdine Law School. Training: Carnegie Mellon, Cornell, Columbia Law School, The William Esper Studio, Alaine Alldaffer, and Deb Jaeckel.

STEVEN SCOT BONO* (Sillers/Cooper/Timmy) United Kingdom: BLOK/EKO directed by Howard Barker (The Wrestling School, Northcott, Times Higher Nom.), Joe in WAITING FOR LEFTY (The Bike Shed), MACBETH, Antonio in THE MERCHANT OF VENICE (Linbury) Off Broadway: THE BRIG directed by Judith Malina (The Living Theatre, OBIE Award), All Dolled Up (Acorn/Theatre Row) OffOff Bwy: Savage / Love (Solo) Regional: Marin Shakespeare; AMADEUS, MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, TWELFTH NIGHT (SFBATCC Nom.), JULIUS CAESAR, Eddie in FOOL FOR LOVE, Caleb in ZOE'S INNER MONOLOGUES (Nomad Theatre) Mr. Kraler in THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK (NoHo Arts Center), Bloody Captain in MACBETH (Savage Players) Training; LAMDA, attended MFA University of Exeter. AEA, UK EQUITY

ALAN BROOKS* (Reverend Brown) recently played "Artemis" in the new adaptation of Gogol's THE GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR at Boston Court. He also played "Scrooge" this the Parson's Nose Theater adaptation of Dickens' A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Other credits include: West Coast Premiere of MEN OF TORTUGA (at The Carrie Hamilton Theatre) w/ Furious Theatre Co., GREAT DAY IN THE MORNING (World Premiere) at South Coast Rep., "Charlie" (title role) in THE FOREIGNER (World Premiere) with Milwaukee Rep., "John Barrymore" in BARRYMORE at PCPA TheatreFest, "John Proctor" in THE CRUCIBLE at StageWest, "Harry" in THE PRISONER OF SECOND AVENUE at GTC Burbank, and "Reese" in the West Coast Premiere of Alan Ayckbourn's COMMUNICATING DOORS at The Odyssey Theater. On TV, Alan recurred on Dr. Quinn: Medicine Woman, and has featured on "Scanda," "The Huntress, Star Trek: Voyager," and on "General Hospital."
ROBERT CRAIGHEAD (Matthew Harrison Brady) is an alumnus of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, has appeared in over 50 theatrical productions; most recently in the successful World Premiere musical comedy, Paradise: A Divine Bluegrass Musical at The Ruskin Group Theatre, and in the critically acclaimed West Coast Premiere of Tennessee Williams' "A House Not Meant To Stand" at The Fountain Theatre. Robert is best known for his film and TV work, having performed in over 25 feature films and hundreds of TV shows, including 3 years as Lt. Frank Conran on the long running daytime drama "The Bold and the Beautiful." Most recent TV Guest appearances include: "Mob City," "The Millers", "Castle," "Rizzoli & Isles," "NCIS," "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia," "Childrens Hospital," "Southland" and "Criminal Minds". Feature film includes roles in "Saving Lincoln" opposite co-stars Tom Amandes, Penelope Ann Miller and Bruce Davison and in "All American Christmas Carol" with Wendi McLendon Covey, Taryn Manning, Beverly D'Angelo and Eric Roberts. He has roles in upcoming 2014 feature films "Higher Mission" and "Demon Lake". Robert is also known for his Voice Over work, most recently in two major motion capture video games "Tomb Raider" and "Dead Rising 3."


SCOTT GOLDEN (Esterbrook/Radio Man/Photographer/Bollinger/Dunlap/Reporter)
This is Scott's first production with The Grove Theatre Center. He has recently been seen as The Deceased in Sacred Fools production of "Absolutely Filthy" which won Top of Fringe at the 2013 Hollywood Fringe Festival. Scott studied theatre at Florida State University, Improv at the Groundlings and Beer a Brewing at Culver City Brew Supply. He has been seen in over 40 national commercials as well as television and film.

NICHOLAS GOLDREICH (Bannister/Storekeeper) Happily Whatever After - Prince Charming; Laramie Project Skits - Aaron McKinney; Monty Python Skits - Sir Lancelot. Mousebender. "Method" - Johnny "Who Shot Jesus Christ" - Mr. Strait; "Sharkskin" - New York Street Patron "Big History" - 18th. Nicholas studied Philosophy at the University of California, Riverside where he also played Division 1 Soccer. Born and raised in Pasadena, CA - always looking for a philosophical conversation! century Tea-Drinker

DUTCH HOFSTETTER (Howard Blair) Dutch Hofstetter grew up in Hanalei, Hawaii and Paris, France. Film roles include "Soul Surfer," "Field of Lost Shoes" and "Two Tickets to Paradise." On TV, you've seen him in "Victorious," "ER" and "Scrubs." Dutch is currently studying at the prestigious Joanne Baron/D.W. Brown Studio.

AMIR LEVI* (Davenport/Hot Dog Vendor) LA credits include the Nervous Clown in Four Clowns (Best Physical and Dance Theater Award-Hollywood Fringe 2010), at South Coast Repe and Sacred Fools, as well as a US tour, Robin Hood at South Coast Rep., Absolutely Filthy (Sacred Fools, Top of Fringe and Best Comedy-Hollywood Fringe 2013),The Phantom Tollbooth (Mainstreet Theatre), Amir Levi: Bound to You (Rockwell: Table & Stage), The Chrome Warrior (Lyric-Hyperion), Male Matriarch (Long Beach Playhouse), Amir Levi: Closer to Myself (The Coterie at the Renaissance Hotel), Balm in Gilead (Coeurage), Last Days of Judas Iscariot (Urban Theatre Movement). New York: Male Matriarch (FringeNYC 2011), Te Busco (45Bleecker), Age of Pie (Atlantic Theater Conservatory),Turning (Working Man's Clothes). As a Dancer with companies Ann & Alexx Make Dances, Philippa Kaye Company, and Amir's company, The Poisonous Ladies. Webseries: Unicorn Plan-It. theamirlevi.com

J. RICHEY NASH* (Hornbeck) is an award-winning actor, writer & filmmaker who has worked in TV, film, and theater for nearly two decades. Acting credits include TV guest appearances on "Criminal Minds", "George Lopez", "Still Standing", and "All My Children", as well as lead/supporting roles in the feature films "Stay Alive", "The F Word", "Fabled", "Live Evil" (post-production), and "Hitting the Cycle", which he also wrote, produced and directed. LA stage: Mr. Shaw Goes to Hollywood (Laguna Playhouse), Heads and Dickie & Babe (Blank Theatre Company), Spike Heels (Eclectic Theater Company), and Harold Pinter's Betrayal (The Attic). NYC stage: Boy Meets Girl (Playwrights Horizons), Burning (Rattlestick), Joe Fearless (The Atlantic), Sophistry (John Houseman), and Black, White & Blue (Primary Stages). A native Kentuckian, Richey is a graduate of Princeton University and former professional baseball player with the San Diego Padres and Chicago White Sox organizations. www.jricheynash.com.

LAUREL REESE (Rachel) Laurel is thrilled to be a part of Wasatch Theatrical Venture's production of Inherit the Wind. New York and LA theater credits include: Macbeth (Witch #3 and others), God's Country (the Boy), White Paper (Lucy, original cast), Shortlived 3.0 (multiple roles), and Rendition in Damascus (Missy). Film and TV credits include the award winning independent feature, "The Graduates," and TNT's "Major Crimes." BFA from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts.

DAVID REYNOLDS* (Meeker/Elijah) is probably best known for his role as White Power Bill in the cult TV classic "Arrested Development", but has also appeared in any number of horror film including "House of 1,000 Corpses", "Hills Have Eyes II", and "Sushi Girl". He has been seen on many LA stages in a wide variety of roles, but would be remiss if he didn't mention that he has done Lennie in "Of Mice and Men" twice, most recently in 2010. He plans to continue doing any offered TV/film roles whether his character survives or not.

SUZAN SOLOMON* (Mrs. Blair/Mrs. Loomis/Mrs. McClain) started her career in NYC as an actress-singer, landing the infamous off-B'way show, Let My People Come. Following, she appeared as the young Sophie Tucker in Bubbling Brown Sugar in the National Tour and Bus and Truck. After moving to LA to pursue her recording, singer-songwriter career; she toured internationally with a blues and jazz band. Other theatre and musical credits include See What I Wanna See, The Full Monty, Fetish, Internet Dating (the Musical), Stiltz, Belz ( A Jewish Vaudeville Musical), Heaven Rocks, Fiddler on The Roof, and House of Blue Leaves. TV credits include "Telepathetic", "Raising The Bar", "Married With Children", "Fast Lane"," Pushing Daisies", "Urban Legends", and "The Billie Barty Variety Cable Show". Suzan appeared in the films "Saturday Night Fever," "School Daze," "Impact" (a short film) and last year she appeared as a flying witch in the Toyota Rav4 Super-bowl commercial.

ROSEMARY STEVENS* (Mrs. Brady) After an extended hiatus, Rosemary returned to acting six years ago. She brushed up her skills, started auditioning, and has worked almost non-stop. She completed several short films, two web series, and the soon-to-be-released feature "Almost Broadway." She is a resident artist with The Vagrancy and appeared in two shows for them last year: Rituals: A Bacchanalia and Bottom of the World. Other recent productions include A Truman Capote Christmas with the Attic Theatre, and Love and Other Allergies with Vox Humana Theatre Company. Commercials include one running in Japan and another in New York for Newsday. She is a member of SAG-AFTRA and AEA, and is represented by BiCoastal Talent Agency. For complete film/TV credits, look her up on IMDb.com. and for complete stage credits please visit AboutTheArtists.com.

RACHEL WERLINE (Melinda/Mrs. Krebs/Mrs. Hawker) Rachel Werline - Time in Kafka (Anna) The Undermain Theater, The Secretaries (Patty)Margo Jones Theater, The Skriker (Josie) Margo Jones Theater, Eurydice(Eurydice) The Greer Garson Theater, A Christmas Carol(Martha Cratchit/Fan), Grease (Frenchie) Texas Star Theater. Training: BFA Theater, Southern Methodist University.www.rachelwerline.com

ROBBIE WINSTON* (Cates) Robbie's West Coast credits include the successful, award-winning show Absolutely Filthy (Sacred Fools) as The Little Brother, Johnny Tremain (B Street) as the title character, Boys Next Door (Actors Co-op) as Barry, The Habitation of Dragons (Actors Co-op) as Billy, and The Cripple of Inishmaan (LBCC) as Cripple Billy, where he earned the Best Actor Award. He has also starred in several independent films such as "Power Poison", "Counting the Days", and "Propel" which also earned him the Best Actor Award at the 168 International Film Festival. Robbie is also a published poet. His books, "From Thorns" and "The Release", are or will be available atwww.warriorpress.us.

EDMUND WYSON* (Mayor) LA: The Gambler's Daughter as Lloyd Pickering at The Eclectic Company Theatre, Unbroken Circles as Johnny Bill Crawford at the Odyssey Theater, Peaches en Regalia as Syd Barlow at Sacred Fools Theater, Bury the Dead as The General at ICAAP, The Room as Sinclair Lewis at Open Fist. Regional: As You Like It at The Huntington Theatre Company-Boston and Pittsburgh Public Theatre, The Nerd as Willum Cubbert at American Inside Theatre-Milwaukee. Chicago: Vanity Fair as George Osborne at Lifeline Theatre, The Sea Gull as Trigorin at Chicago Actors Ensemble, American Enterprise as Beman/Jackson at Organic Theatre, Noises Off as Garry Lejeune at The Theatre Building. Also worked at Court Theatre and American Blues Theatre. On Film: "After Thought," "Jinx No More," "Phantoms," "Normal Life," "Thieves Quartet," "Horicon." Television: "You're Whole" (Adult Swim/Cartoon Network), "Bird Dog" (TNT), "12 Miles of Bad Road" (HBO) "Eleventh Hour" & "CSI" (CBS).

Opens: Saturday, Feb. 8th at 8pm
Runs: Feb. 8 - March 16th. Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 3pm
Tickets: Previews - $15. General Admission: $25
Buy tickets/Info: www.plays411.com/inherit or (323) 960-7721
Where: Grove Theatre Center. 1111-B West Olive Avenue in George Izay Park, Burbank 91506.
Parking: Ample street and lot parking
For more information please visit www.wasatchtheatricalventures.com.



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