Asolo Rep Announces Casting fo 2011 Productions

Asolo Repertory Theatre (Asolo Rep) proudly introduces the artists of its 2010-2011 repertory season; including participation from guest artists, Asolo Rep Associate Artists and the graduating class of the Florida State University/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training. Rehearsals are underway for La Bête, Twelve Angry Men, and Boeing Boeing, which open on January 7, 14, and 21, respectively.

Tell Great Stories. It's what we do. Whether we're transfixed by an evening at the theatre, or transformed by time spent talking with friends and family, sharing stories is a fundamental part of what it is to be human. It's how we decide what is funny, moving, and important, and how we make sense of the world. And the stories we prioritize in our memories are a good indication of who we are- both as individuals and as a culture. In the theatre, we marshal the power of the arts to tell the stories we all want and need to hear. We tell these stories in order to bring people together, open their hearts and minds, and break down barriers.

In her remarks for the 2010 World Theatre Day, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lynn Nottage crystallized this concept, reminding us that 'we must be intrepid explorers, daring to venture into uncomfortable zones to unearth difficult truths. We must be unafraid to look honestly at the human condition and try to come to terms with its contradictions and flaws. That means approaching our work...as storytellers, breaking rules to help re-imagine the world. We must be truthful, while spinning yarns.' But it is not enough for artists alone to do this exploring, this unearthing. Without an audience that participates equally in the creative conversation, the picture is incomplete and the truth remains just beyond our grasp.

At Asolo Rep, we are committed to producing the widest range of theatrical experiences, thereby reaching out to all of our different constituencies and instilling in our entire community a sense of ownership and pride in this theatre. Above all, our audiences should feel welcomed into the process of creating and telling the stories reflected in our exciting 2010- 2011 season. And this season, the theatre has a major new objective- reaching new audiences in new places. We want to break down the barriers between people, institutions, languages, and even cultures.

As Lynn said, 'We are cultural watchdogs. We stand at attention, observing and reacting. We excavate, uncover, interpret and unravel. We protect tradition and shape new ones. We look inward...and then outward to find ways to better understand our selves.'

This season at Asolo Rep we are going to do just that."

LA BÊTE (The Beast) by David Hirson

Directed by Michael Donald Edwards

In the Mertz Theatre Jan. 7-Feb. 20, 2011

A great classical actor fights to protect tradition from the new, the outrageous, the vulgar, the truly popular. A riotously hilarious and theatrically brilliant struggle that may have no winners. Winner of an Outer Critics Circle Award and Olivier Award.

Featuring Resident Company Members David Breitbarth (Rene du Parc), Douglas Jones (Bejart), and Guest Artists Bryan Torfeh (Elomire), Danny Scheie (Valere), Jason Bradley (De Brie), Jud Williford (Prince Conti), Kate Hampton (Marquise-Therese du Parc), and Mercedes Herrero (Madeleine Bejart). Other cast members include Alicia Dawn Bullen (Ensemble), Adam Carpenter (Servant), Devereau Chumrau (Dorine), Kim Hausler (Catherine De Brie), Danny Jones (Servant), Ron Kagan (Servant), and Will Little (Servant). Designers include Erik Flatmo (Set Design), Brandin Barón (Costume Design) David Cuthbert (Lighting Design) and Fabian Obispo (Composer and Sound Design). The stage manager will be Resident Stage Manager Sarah Gleissner.

TWELVE ANGRY MEN by Reginald Rose

Directed by Frank Galati

In the Mertz Theatre Jan. 14-March 26, 2011

Twelve strangers united only by their civic duty struggle to make the right decision in this contemporary classic. The jury's electric debate over a young man's fate will keep you riveted 'til' the final curtain. Directed by Tony-award winner Frank Galati.

Featuring Resident Company Members David Breitbarth (Juror #4), James Clarke (Juror #3), Douglas Jones (Juror# 10) and David S. Howard (Juror #9). Guest Artists Jud Williford (Juror #8) and John Sterling Arnold (Juror #11). Other cast members include Conservatory students Adam Carpenter (Juror #2), Danny Jones (Juror #6), Ron Kagan (Juror #5) and Will Little (Guard), with regional actors Don Walker (Juror #1), Steve Garland (Juror #12) and Ronald Krine Myroup (Juror #7). Designers include Russell Metheny (Set Design), Mara Blumenfeld (Costume Design), James D. Sale (Lighting Design) and Resident Sound Designer Matthew Parker (Sound Design). The stage manager will be Resident Stage Manager Sarah Gleissner.

BOEING BOEING by Mark Camoletti translated by Beverley Cross

Directed by Greg Leaming

In the Mertz Theatre Jan. 21- April 23, 2011

What seems to be the ultimate fantasy bachelor life, with intricately scheduled gorgeous flight attendants, turns out to be a dizzyingly hilarious over-the-top ride for one man who finds out that one woman is all he can handle. High flying fun! Boeing Boeing recently enjoyed a successful Broadway revival with 279 performances.

Featuring Guest artists Bryan Torfeh (Bernard), Jason Bradley (Robert), Kate Hampton (German Hostess) and Mercedes Herrero (Bertha), with Conservatory students Kim Hausler (American Hostess) and Angela Sauer (Italian Hostess). Designers include Judy Gailen (Set Design), Eduardo Sicangco (Costume Design), James D. Sale (Lighting Design) and Resident Sound Designer Matthew Parker (Sound Design). The stage manager is Resident Production Stage Manager Kelly Borgia.

LAS MENINAS (The Waiting Women) by Lynne Nottage

Directed by Michael Donald Edwards

In the Mertz Theatre March 18-May 15, 2011

Scandal, seductions, intrigue. An illicit love affair in the royal house of France. A fiercely imaginative look at a rare and beautiful story from the Pulitzer Prize-winning Lynn Nottage.

Featuring Resident Company Members David Breitbarth (Doctor), Douglas Jones (Painter), Barbara Redmond (Queen Mother/Superior), and Guest Artists Jud Williford (King Louis), and Kate Hampton (La Valliere). Other cast members include Alicia Dawn Bullen (Lady), Adam Carpenter (Courtier), Devereau Chumrau (Therese), Kim Hausler (Lady), Danny Jones (Courtier), Ron Kagan (Courtier), Will Little (Nabo), Angela Sauer (Lady), Lindsay Marie Tierce (Marie Therese), and David Valdez (Attendant). Designers include Lee Savage (Set Design), B. Modern (Costume Design), Burke Brown (Lighting Design), Dan Scully (Projection Design), and Fitz Patton (Composer and Sound Design). The stage manager is Resident Production Stage Manager Kelly Borgia.

DEATHTRAP by Ira Levin

Directed by Peter Amster

In the Mertz Theatre April 1-May 14, 2011 A devilishly clever, suspense-filled thrill ride from a masterful mystery writer at the top of his game. This perfectly constructed spine-chiller is the rare mix of breathless excitement and ingenious humor.

Featuring Resident Company Members James Clarke (Porter Milgrim) and Carolyn Michel (Helga), and Guest Artists Bryan Torfeh (Sidney) and Mercedes Herrero (Myra), with Conservatory student Dane Dandridge (Clifford). Designers include Michael Schweikardt (Set Design), VirGil Johnson (Costume Design), Aaron Muhl (Lighting Design), Kevin Kennedy (Sound Design) and Bruce Lecure (Fight Director). The stage manager will be Resident Stage Manager Sarah Gleissner.

THE INNOCENTS (World Premiere) by Steven Drukman

Directed by Anders Cato

In the Mertz Theatre April 15-May 14, 2011

The family unit of a middle-aged gay man and his closest female friend is threatened when two compelling young men enter the picture. A fascinating new play that touches on what it means to be an American in the 21st century.

Featuring Guest Artists Jason Bradley (Sutter), Jud Williford (Daniel), Kate Hampton (Edie), and Scott Kearns (Liron). Designers include Lee Savage (Set Design), Amy Cianci (Costume Design), Tyler Micoleau (Lighting Design) and Resident Sound Designer Matthew Parker (Sound Design). The stage manager is Resident Production Stage Manager Kelly Borgia.