Williamston Theatre Presents THE UNDERSTUDY, Beginning 5/17

Mid-Michigan’s award winning professional theatre company, Williamston Theatre, located at 122 S. Putnam Street in downtown Williamston, turns the tables and takes you backstage for The Understudy by Pulitzer Prize nominee Theresa Rebeck. Tickets are now on sale for this "non-stop look at a side of theatre most of us never see."

The Understudy begins with five Preview performances starting Thursday, May 17. During the first four Previews audience members will have the opportunity to take part in the process of creating a show by participating in a talkback session with the director following each performance. The Official Opening Night is Friday, May 25 with the show scheduled to run through Sunday, June 17. Performances will run Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at eight o’clock and Sunday matinees at two o’clock with additional three o’clock matinees on Saturdays starting May 26.

Jake is a mid-level action film star seeking legitimacy by acting in a Broadway play. Harry is a middle-aged journeyman actor who may or may not be just a little bitter about understudying a mid-level action film star in a Broadway play. Roxanne just wants to run the rehearsal without anyone killing anyone else. Take a trip behind the scenes as a trio of theatre professionals struggle to balance ego, art and commerce in this biting, thoughtful comedy that highlights the ridiculous and fleeting nature of fame. Please be aware this show does contain adult language.

The cast of The Understudy consists of Williamston Theatre's Artistic Director Tony Caselli as Harry, Michelle Held as Roxanne and Drew Parker (Dead Man's Shoes) as Jake. The Director is Rob Roznowski, head of the acting and directing programs for the MSU Department of Theatre. The production team includes Set Design by Bartley Bauer (This Wonderful Life, Eleemosynary), Lighting Design by Alex Gay, Costume Design by Melanie Schuessler (Five Course Love, Flyover, USA) and Sound Design by Julia Garlotte. The Stage Managers are Stefanie Din and Nan Luchini.

Tickets are Pay-What-You-Can for Thursday, May 17. Remaining Preview tickets are $15.00! Starting Opening Night, tickets prices are $25.00 for Friday and Saturday evenings, $22.00 for Saturday and Sunday matinees and $20.00 for Thursday evenings. Discounted rates are available for senior citizens (65 and older), students (with a valid student ID) and groups of 10 or more (booked at least 1 week in advance). Tickets can be ordered by calling (517) 655-SHOW (7469), Tuesday – Friday from 12 – 6pm.

The Understudy is supported in part by an award from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Williamston Theatre is a not-for-profit, professional live theatre company, dedicated to producing plays that excite, engage and entertain our audiences. The theatre opened its doors in 2006 and has received a number of local awards including the 2008 Robert Busby Award for extraordinary overall contribution to theatre in the Greater Lansing Area.

Williamston Theatre patrons will find ample parking on the street and in several municipal lots throughout the city. The theatre is located in downtown Williamston (exit 117 off of I-96) just south of Grand River Avenue. Additional information about the company and the rest of the shows in the 2011-2012 Season is available online at www.williamstontheatre.org or by calling (517) 655-SHOW (7469).

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