Jungle Theater's Bain Boehlke Helms INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Now thru 6/9

Playwright/screenwriter Thomas Ward will premiere his play INTERNATIONAL FALLS for Minnesota audiences at the Bryant-Lake Bowl Theater under the direction of Twin Cities legend Bain Boehlke. The play will run for a limited engagement today, May 31 through June 9.

International Falls is the story of a burned out standup comedian and a hotel desk clerk trying to enjoy a one-night stand after a comedy show. What begins as an innocuous frolic turns into a philosophical discussion of comic theory, marriage, parenthood, religion and fart jokes. The line between comedy and tragedy is blurred as both characters are forced to ask the inevitable post-coital question, "Now what?"

Thomas Ward has received several honors for his writing, most recently as a finalist for the McKnight fellowship. His play Binge, featuring notable actors, was well-received in New York. He also received accolades for his short film In the Middle and the independent feature film Sironia, both of which screened in film festivals across the country and received audience favorite awards. With International Falls, Ward was interested in creating a tragic play that is full of jokes. He claims, "While the play isn't autobiographical, it is the most personal because it portrays an artist dealing with frustration, depression and complex relationships. I also like seeing broad (sometimes foul) humor emerging in dark places."

Ward, who works as both a professional actor and playwright, is looking forward to finally playing a role he created, but has also reveled in seeing other actors play the two roles in International Falls to critical acclaim. In this production of International Falls, he will be playing opposite his wife, actor Sherry Jo Ward. Ward says, "Sherry is always the first to read anything I write, and I wanted to write a good part for her. We've collaborated several times and have an extremely rewarding partnership." Recently relocating from Texas to Minnesota, both Thomas and Sherry received critical acclaim and awards for various performances in Dallas, Forth Worth and Austin, including a Best of Fest distinction and two Dallas Theatre Critics Forum awards for the 2012 production of International Falls.

While the play is set in International Falls, Minnesota, Ward had no idea career moves would bring his family to the Twin Cities. During the initial read with Bain Boehlke, he kindly offered Ward a few notes to correct some references to Minneapolis, making the play ready for a local audience. Boehlke says, "This is such an exciting new play that when Thomas brought the script to me I felt that it merited an immediate production. I thought it was a perfect show for the little stage at the Bryant-Lake Bowl, and a perfect introduction of Thomas and Sherry Jo Ward to local audiences and the theatre community.

International Falls by Thomas Ward will run at Bryant-Lake Bowl, 810 W. Lake St., Minneapolis, from May 31 through June 9, with a special Industry Night Monday, June 3. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. For more information, visit bryantlakebowl.com/calendar or call 612-825-8949. Tickets are available online at brownpapertickets.com.

Performance Schedule
Friday, May 31 @ 7pm - Opening Night
Saturday, June 1 @ 7pm
Sunday, June 2 @ 7pm
Monday, June 3 @ 7pm - Industry Night
Thursday, June 6 @ 7pm
Friday, June 7 @ 7pm
Saturday, June 8 @ 7pm
Sunday, June 9 @ 7pm - Closing

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