Steven Johnson and David Darrow Lead Theater Latté Da's BEAUTIFUL THING

Theater Latté Da announced today casting for the area premiere of Beautiful Thing by Jonathan Harvey, which it will present at the The Lab Theater February 24 – March 18, 2012.

Beautiful Thing will feature Steven Johnson and David Darrow as next-door neighbors Jamie and Ste. Steven is currently a junior in the University of Minnesota / Guthrie Theater B.F.A. Actor Training Program where he has performed in Merchant of Venice and The Diviners. David is new to the Twin Cities having recently completed an acting apprenticeship with The Actors Theatre of Louisville. The role of Jaime's mother Sandra is being played by Jennifer Blagen, most recently seen as the Wicked Witch in The Children's Theatre Company's production of The Wizard of Oz as well as Guthrie Theater's productions of God of Carnage, The Master Butchers Singing Club and Shadowlands. The role of Sandra's boyfriend Tony will be played by Dan Hopman, most recently seen as Sankey in Girl Friday Production's Ivey Award-winning production of Street Scene. Next-door neighbor Leah will be played by Anna Sundberg, winner of the 2011 Emerging Artist Ivey Award.

Beautiful Thing is the emotionally charged story of two teenage boys who unexpectedly fall in love. This moving drama was a hit on London's West End before inspiring the international award-winning film with the same title. Theater Latté Da will infuse the production with the music of the Mamas and Papas with local favorite chanteuse Erin Schwab singing Mama Cass. Erin Schwab appeared in Theater Latté Da's productions of The Rink and Oh S#!%, I'm Turning Into My Mother.

"As I begin my second year of living and working in the Twin Cities, I'm thrilled to be collaborating with this incredible team of actors and designers from the community," said director Jeremy B. Cohen. Jeremy, the producing artistic director of The Playwrights' Center, makes his local directing debut with this production as Theater Latté Da's first guest director.

The creative team includes music director Dennis Curley (Theater Latté Da's Steerage Song and A Christmas Carole Petersen), scenic designer Michael Hoover (Theater Latté Da's Song of Extinction, A Christmas Carole Petersen and Floyd Collins), costume designer Kathy Kohl (Theater Latté Da's The Full Monty, Parade, Susannah and King of Hearts), lighting designer Mike Wangen (Theater Latté Da's Steerage Song) and sound designer Tom Sandelands (Theater Latté Da's Susannah, A Christmas Carole Petersen and Gypsy).

"Jeremy is a smart, dynamic arts leader. It is thrilling to have him join our community and make his local directing debut with Latté Da," says Theater Latté Da Artistic Director Peter Rothstein.

Tickets for Beautiful Thing are available for $23-$39 and are on sale online at www.TheLabTheater.org or by calling 612.333.7977. Group discounts are also available by calling 612.339.3003.

Special Programs and Events for Beautiful Thing include:
· Audio-Description performance for patrons who are blind or have low vision – Thursday, March 15, at 7:30 p.m.
· American Sign Language Interpreted performance for patrons who are deaf or low hearing – Thursday, March 15, at 7:30 p.m.
· Beautiful Thing post-show discussions will be held after the 7:30 p.m. performances on Thursday evenings March 1, 8 and 15 as well as after the 2:00 p.m. Sunday matinee performances on February 26, March 4 and 11. Post-show discussions offer an opportunity for audience members to engage in a dialogue with the actors and creative team, making for a richer theatrical experience. For more information on post-show discussions, please contact Theater Latté Da's administrative office at 612.339.3003.
· Director's Dialogue Series for the 2011-12 Season – This series provides the opportunity to hear directly from Jeremy B. Cohen and his creative team, as they provide insight into their vision for the production, the design and rehearsal process, and the final result that patrons see on stage. The Beautiful Thing Director's Dialogue will take place on Wednesday, March 7, immediately following the performance.

About Theater Latté Da:
Theater Latté Da is a Twin Cities theater company recognized for its ability to connect artists, audiences and communities through diverse stories that are both entertaining and enlightening. The company seeks to create new connections between story, music, artists, and audience by exploring and expanding the art of musical theater. For more information, please visit Theater Latté Da's website at www.LatteDa.org.

Support for the Theater Latté Da production of Beautiful Thing is made possible in part by a grant provided by the Minnesota State Arts Board, through an appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature from the Minnesota arts and cultural heritage fund with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.

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