Florida Repertory Theatre Presents DAMASCUS

Florida Repertory Theatre is pleased to announce that tickets are selling fast for "Damascus" by Bennett Fisher, playing through December 9th in the ArtStage Studio Theatre. The Southeastern United States premiere of the immersive thriller was read in Florida Rep's 2017 PlayLab Festival, and the full production opened earlier this month to sold-out houses. Tickets are priced at $55 and available through the box office at 239-332-4488 and online at www.floridarep.org.

Charles Runnells of the Fort Myers News-Press called the production "a tense new thriller" with "raw, emotional performances" from the three-person cast. He went on to say the "taut, well-executed thrill ride" is like "nothing I've seen at Florida Rep," and called "Damascus" a "must-see destination for Southwest Florida theatre lovers!"

Florida Weekly's Nancy Stetson called the production a "white-knuckle ride of a play," and said the "psychological thriller was so intense - so gripping - I found myself involuntarily leaning forward in my chair!" Stetson also praised cast members, Jeremiah Clapp, and Darian Dauchan, saying "Mr. Dauchan's performance is commanding and heart-breaking," and that "Mr. Clapp is equally captivating." Stetson said the pair gives a "compelling, riveting performance." The production features projections, an immersive soundscape, and live cameras embedded in the set that give audiences close-up views of the actors' faces which Stetson called "a visceral experience."

Emily Yorgey of BroadwayWorld.com raved as well in her recent review, calling "Damascus" "a fresh and exciting piece of theatre" that is "incredibly clever" and "phenomenal."

"Damascus," by Bennett Fisher, stars three New York and regional actors making their Florida Rep debuts, Jeremiah Clapp, Darian Dauchan, and Laura Shatkus. Set mostly inside a shuttle van between the Minneapolis and Chicago airports, "Damascus" is a claustrophobic and electrifying conversation about extremism, our biases, and the line between caution and paranoia. New York-based actor and writer, Darian Dauchan plays Hassan, the Somali American shuttle driver struggling to make ends meet. Jeremiah Clapp, a regional actor, and recent Case Western Reserve/Cleveland Playhouse MFA graduate plays the 19-year-old college student, Lloyd, who is desperate to get to Chicago in the dead of night. Laura Shatkus, a Chicago native whose recent work includes the Hippodrome Theatre in Gainesville and TheatreSquared in Fayetteville, Arkansas, will be playing in various roles in "Damascus."

Ensemble Member and Director, V Craig Heidenreich, leads an expert creative team that includes resident set designer Jordan Moore ("Cabaret"), ensemble costume designer Stefanie Genda ("Cabaret"), lighting and projection designer Rob Siler ("Becoming Dr. Ruth"), sound designer Katie Lowe ("Steel Magnolias"), and ensemble stage manager Audrey M. Brown ("Disgraced").

Tickets are available online at www.FloridaRep.org and through the box office at 239-332-4488. Tickets are priced at $55 for regular performances and $25 for a limited number of obstructed view seats. Subscriptions start as low as $150 for six plays and offer the best seats and the most significant savings, and are available through the box office. Box office hours are Monday through Friday, 10 AM - 5 PM. New this season, Florida Rep's parking lot will open 2 hours before each performance and offers guests limited free parking across the street from the Arcade Theatre. Performances are Tue-Thu at 7 PM, Fri and Sat at 8 PM, and 2 PM on Thur, Sat, and Sun. There are no performances on Thanksgiving Day.

"Damascus" is generously sponsored by Bruce and Janet Bunch. The media sponsor is Florida Weekly.

Florida Repertory Theatre performs in the Historic Arcade Theatre and the ArtStage Studio Theatre on Bay St. between Jackson & Hendry with limited free parking in the Fort Myers River District. Visit Florida Rep online at www.FloridaRep.org, and by following the company on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.