Maltz Jupiter Theatre's RED Opens 2/14

"There is only one thing I fear in life, my friend... One day the black will swallow the red," abstract expressionist Mark Rothko laments in John Logan's Red. 

A thrilling new American play and winner of the 2010 Tony Award®, Red at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre (February 14 through 26) offers a provocative portrait of the famed Jewish artist as he works feverishly in his studio on the Bowery to complete the biggest commission in the history of modern art. When his assistant challenges his ambition, Rothko is faced with the agonizing possibility that his crowning achievement could also be his undoing. 

"We are so happy to be producing such a monumental, visceral new drama as part of our season," said the Theatre's artistic director, Andrew Kato. "We are stretching our programming and challenging our audiences with our play and musical selection, and this award-winning show reflects that." 

One of the most acclaimed – and often unhappy – artists of the 20th century, Red focuses on Rothko as he paints a group of murals for the luxurious and exclusive Four Seasons restaurant. He gives orders to his assistant, Ken, as he mixes the paints, makes the frames, and paints the canvases onstage with his signature style of filling oversized canvases with luminous color. Ken, however, brashly questions Rothko's theories, and conflict ensues between teacher and student. 

In reviewing the Broadway production, Variety called it "majestic" and the Associated Press called the show an "engrossing, often enthralling new play about art, an artist and the act of creation." 

The show won six of its seven 2010 Tony® Award nominations, including Best Play, and received the most wins out of any other theatrical production that season. It also received several Drama League and Drama Desk awards the same year.

"This play centers on the tense polarities that exist between young and old, employer and employee, master and apprentice, mentor and mentee, father and son," said Red's director, Lou Jacob. "Rothko warns his assistant Ken, 'Consider; I am not your rabbi, I am not your father, I am not your shrink, I am not your friend, I am not your teacher – I am your employer. You understand?' Despite Rothko's blunt disclaimer, he becomes all of these, and we come to understand the combustible energy that existed within Rothko's studio." 

A notable stage veteran, Jacob has directed new plays, musicals, classics and adaptations in the United States and across Europe and Asia. He has received numerous Drama Desk nominations for his work, including the recent Off-Broadway productions The God of Hell and Hard Times. His play Night Train to the Stars premiered in Tokyo at the Metropolitan Theatre.

"'Rothkos,' as his pictures are named, exist like windows, challenging the viewer to enter – while also acting as a lens, forcing the viewer to look inward," he added. "Through Rothko, John Logan has created an event that demands an active participant to speak, argue and ask themselves, 'What do you see?'"

For a behind-the-scenes peek at the Theatre's show, visit http://www.jupitertheatre.org/shows/red. Unique sites have been created for all of the Theatre's season shows; find links at www.jupitertheatre.org. Red is sponsored by Roe Green and The Roe Green Foundation. 

The Theatre also has two other Red-themed events in January, including an appearance at the Norton Museum of Art's weeklyArt After Dark event on February 2 and Paint the Town RED, a three-week public art display and fundraiser to benefit the Theatre's 2011/12 season. Details can be found at www.jupitertheatre.org.

Matinee and evening performances are available, with group discounts for 20 or more. For tickets, call (561) 575-2223 or visitwww.jupitertheatre.org.