Milwaukee Chamber Theatre Presents A THOUSAND CLOWNS, Now thru 8/26

Milwaukee Chamber Theatre (MCT) opens the 2012-2013 theatre season with the comic chestnut A THOUSAND CLOWNS by Herb Gardner tonight, August 9 through August 26, 2011 Milwaukee theatre favorite Jonathan West makes his MCT main stage directing debut with this classic from 1962. A THOUSAND CLOWNS performs in the Broadway Theatre Center's Cabot Theatre in Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward.

Murray Burns believes in living life fully, even if that means going to the movies instead of looking for a job. Unfortunately, his eccentric, carefree nature makes him a questionable role model while raising his twelve-year-old genius nephew in New York City. When a young social worker from the Bureau of Child Welfare comes to investigate, Murray must make some rather big decisions.

One of the most produced playwrights in the world, Herb Gardner was also a screenwriter, director and cartoonist. Before he was 28, he created the syndicated cartoon "The Nebbishes," published a novel, and wrote the hit Broadway play A THOUSAND CLOWNS. The play ran for 428 performances on Broadway and received a Tony Award nomination for Best Play and the New York Drama Critics "Best New Playwright" honor. Gardner was nominated for an Oscar for his 1965 screen adaptation of A THOUSAND CLOWNS featuring Jason Robards, Barbara Harris, Martin Balsam & William Daniels. Gardner's other plays include THE GOODBYE PEOPLE, THIEVES, I'M NOT RAPPAPORT (Tony Award-winner for Best Play) and CONVERSATIONS WITH MY FATHER (Pulitzer Prize nominiee).

A THOUSAND CLOWNS does not actually feature any clowns, but it does feature a ukulele duet and cast members will be instructed by Milwaukee's own uke master Lil' Rev.

A THOUSAND CLOWNS is part of the "Exploring Jewish Voices" series, which is a collaboration between MCT, Jewish Museum Milwaukee and the Jewish Community Center. During the 2012-2013 season, MCT is producing three plays by prominent Jewish playwrights: A THOUSAND CLOWNS by Herb Gardner, COLLECTED STORIES by Donald Margulies and UNDERNEATH THE LINTEL by Glen Berger. The three groups have partnered to provide additional education and outreach opportunities including preshow 'ViewPoints' lectures and 'Jewish Community Ticket' performances.

A THOUSAND CLOWNS marks Jonathan West's MCT main stage directing debut. West appeared in MCT's DRIVING MISS DAISY and TALLEY'S FOLLY and currently serves as managing director of Sunset Playhouse. MCT favorites Matt Daniels (JEEVES INTERVENES, AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS), Tom Klubertanz (Brooklyn Boy, MOONLIGHT AND MAGNOLIAS) and Patrick Lawlor (BUS STOP) will play Albert Amundson, Murray Burns and Arnold Burns respectively. Making their MCT debuts are Thomas Kindler as Nick Burns, Beth Mulkerron as Sandra Markowitz and Stephan Roselin as Leo Herman.

This production reunites several company members from the late Bialystock & Bloom theatre company. Co-founders Jonathan West (director) and Stephan Roselin (Leo Herman) and regular B&B theatre artists Tom Klubertanz (Murray Burns), Josh Schmidt (sound designer), Kristina Van Slyke (costume designer) and Brandy Kline (stage manager) are all part of the A THOUSAND CLOWNS creative team.

CAST

Albert Amundson …Matt Daniels
Nick Burns…Thomas Kindler
Murray Burns…Tom Klubertanz
Arnold Burns…Patrick Lawlor
Sandra Markowitz…Beth Mulkerron
Leo Herman…Stephan Roselin

PRODUCTION STAFF

Director…Jonathan West
Scenic Designer…Brandon Kirkham
Costume Designer…Kristina Van Slyke
Lighting Designer…Eric Appleton
Properties Master…Dana Fralick
Sound Designer…Josh Schmidt
Stage Manager…Brandy Kline

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION:

Thursday, Aug. 9 - 7:30 pm (P)
Friday, Aug. 10 - 8:00 pm (O)
Saturday, Aug. 11 - 8:00 pm
Sunday, Aug. 12 - 2:00 pm (JC)
Wednesday, Aug. 15 - 7:30 pm (V)
Thursday, Aug. 16 - 7:30 pm (T)
Friday, Aug. 17 - 8:00 pm
Saturday, Aug. 18 - 4:00 pm
Saturday, Aug. 18 - 8:00 pm
Sunday, Aug. 19 - 2:00 pm
Wednesday, Aug. 22 - 1:00 pm (*)
Thursday, Aug. 23 - 7:30 pm (T)
Friday, Aug. 24 - 8:00 pm
Saturday, Aug. 25 - 4:00 pm
Saturday, Aug. 25 - 8:00 pm
Sunday, Aug. 26 - 2:00 pm

P = Preview; O = Opening; T = Talkback; V = ViewPoints; *= Talk Theatre; JC = Jewish Community Ticket

SPECIAL EVENTS

--Pre-performance ViewPoints: a free, pre-show presentation about Jewish life and literature in the 1960s by Milwaukee Jewish community member Jerry Benjamin on Wednesday, August 15 at 6:30 p.m. in the Skylight Bar & Bistro.

--Pre-performance Talk Theatre: MCT Producing Artistic Director C. Michael Wright leads a lively and informative chat with Scenic Designer Brandon Kirkham beginning at 12:00 noon before the matinee on Wednesday, August 22 in the Skylight Bar & Bistro.

--Post-performance Jewish Community Ticket talkback: Part of the "Exploring Jewish Voices" series, a post-show discussion led by Jody Hirsh Jewish Educator at the Jewish Community Center's Jewish Educator on Sunday, August 12 at 2:00 p.m.

--Post-performance Talkbacks: Post-show discussion with the cast following performances on Thursday, August 16 and Thursday, August 23.

A THOUSAND CLOWNS performances will take place tonight, August 9-August 26, 2012 in the Broadway Theatre Center's Cabot Theatre, 158 N. Broadway in Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward. Tickets are available Monday through Saturday from noon-6:00 p.m. at the Broadway Theatre Center Box Office, 158 N. Broadway, or by phone at (414) 291-7800. Tickets can be purchased online - 24 hours a day at milwaukeechambertheatre.com. Group, student and senior discounts are also available.

Founded in 1975, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre (MCT) produces intimate, high-quality, professional theatrical works of literary merit that engage and challenge the audience, while employing and nurturing principally local theatre artists. Under the leadership of Producing Artistic Director C. Michael Wright and Managing Director Kirsten Mulvey, MCT performs at the Broadway Theatre Center in Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward.