Sally Wingert, Noted Twin Cities Actress, to Make Directorial Debut

Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company (MJTC) is pleased to welcome Sally Wingert in her directorial debut for The Whipping Man by Matthew Lopez. This production runs from February 4 - 26, 2017 at the Highland Park Community Center Theater, 1978 Ford Parkway, St. Paul, MN 55116.

Sally Wingert is known locally and nationally for her exquisite work. She previously appeared at Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company in Family Secrets, Woman Before a Glass for which she won her first Ivey Award, 2.5 Minute Ride, Rose, and most recently in The Tale of the Allergist's Wife. Other credits include Guthrie Theater, where she has appeared in more than 80 productions, Theater Latté Da, Mixed Blood Theatre, Ten Thousand Things, Park Square Theatre, The Playwrights' Center, and Dark and Stormy Productions. Nationally, she has worked at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, The O'Neill, Yale Repertory Theatre, McCarter Theatre, and American Repertory Theater, on Broadway and in London's West End. She was awarded a 2014 McKnight Fellowship for Theater Artists.

The New York Times has described The Whipping Man as "Haunting... emotionally potent." It's April 1865 and the Civil War is over. Caleb DeLeon, a young Jewish Confederate soldier, returns home wounded to find his plantation home burned and looted, and his former slaves Simon and Caleb now freed. As Simon, brought into the Jewish faith by the DeLeon family, prepares a Passover seder, the three men help each other navigate their newfound understandings of family, power and freedom, until the secrets that still bind them start to unravel. Sally Wingert, in her directorial debut, has created a remarkable platform for this drama to unfold.

All members of the cast are making their debut on the Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company stage with this production. Warren C. Bowles (Simon) at Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company previously directed DAI (enough), Jericho, Photograph 51, and The Tale of the Allergist's Wife for which he won an Ivey Award in recognition of the outstanding production. He has more than 40 years of experience as an actor, director, fight choreographer, and playwright at Mixed Blood Theatre and other theaters across the country. In 2005, he received a McKnight Fellowship for Theater Artists. JuCoby Johnson (John) has performed locally at Park Square Theatre, Children's Theatre Company, Ten Thousand Things, Mu Performing Arts, Underdog Theater, and Theater Latté Da. Riley O'Toole (Caleb) has performed at the Guthrie Theater. Nationally, he has performed at Montana Shakespeare in the Parks, Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Great River Shakespeare Festival, and Salt Lake Acting Company. Both JuCoby and Riley are graduates of the University of Minnesota / Guthrie B.F.A. Actor Training Program.

Performances will take place Wednesdays at 7:30, Thursdays at 7:30, Saturdays at 8:00 and Sundays at 1:00. There will be one Sunday evening performance on February 5th at 7:00. Individual tickets go on sale January 9 and range $20-34. Student and group discounts are available. To order, visit www.mnjewishtheatre.org or call (651) 647-4315. Press passes are available for performances on February 4th and 5th.

Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company (MJTC) is a non-profit organization in its 22nd season. Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company ignites the hearts and minds of people of all cultural backgrounds by producing theater of the highest artistic standards. Rooted in Jewish content, our work explores differences, illuminates commonalities, and fosters greater understanding among all people. For further information about Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company and its 22nd season, visit www.mnjewishtheatre.org, email info@mnjewishtheatre.org, or call (651) 647-4315.

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