Suspenseful Sci-Fi Thriller THE NETHER to Open at Jungle Theater

Casey Stangl (Fully Committed) returns to the Jungle from Los Angeles to direct Jennifer Haley's award-winning The Nether opening September 16 and on stage through October 15 at the Lyn-Lake neighborhood theater, 2951 Lyndale Ave. S. in Minneapolis. A smart and tightly wound drama, The Nether is both serpentine crime story and haunting sci-fi thriller exploring the consequences of living out private dreams in a world of ever-advancing technology.

In The Nether, when a detective uncovers a disturbing brand of online entertainment, she triggers an intense battle between technology and human desire. The New York Times called it a "very cunning and equally creepy new play about alternative lives in a future around the corner." Just under 90 minutes with no intermission, the powerful, thought-provoking show has had audiences talking about the play long after its end, prompting the Houston Press to affirm that "this urge to discuss is the mark of a brilliant night in the theater."

The Nether stars Stephen Yoakam (The Night Alive) and Mo Perry (The Two Gentlemen of Verona) with Ivey Award-winning Craig Johnson, JuCoby Johnson and Ella Freeberg making their Jungle debuts.

The Nether creative team features the talents of Ivey Award winners Barry Browning (lighting) and Matt Lefebvre (costumes) with C. Andrew Mayer (sound), John Novak (properties) and nationally-recognized scenic designer Lee Savage.

A hit in London and New York, as well as a New York Times Critic's Pick, the play had its world premiere in 2013 at the Center Theatre Group in Los Angeles. Playwright Jennifer Haley received the 2012 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize for The Nether, a recognition given annually to women who have written works of outstanding quality for the English-speaking theatre.

The Jungle offers post-show Stay Late discussions with an actor after every performance of The Nether to give audience members the opportunity to ask questions, talk about the play's themes and hear ideas from people in the know.

Performances of The Nether are Tuesdays ($35), Wednesdays ($35), Thursdays ($35), Fridays ($45) and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.($45), and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. ($40). Preview performances on September 13-14 at 7:30 p.m. are $15. Media Night is September 15 at 7:30pm. Rush tickets are offered every night of the week, based on availability two hours prior to the performance, and there is special Friday night pricing for students, 55408 neighborhood residents and employees, and those under 30 years of age. Tickets and more information are available at (612) 822-7063 or online at www.jungletheater.com.

About the Jungle Theater

The Jungle Theater (Artistic Director Sarah Rasmussen) is a neighborhood theater with a national impact. As one of the region's most dynamic theaters, the Jungle is known for its definitive productions, exquisite design, masterful acting and compelling storytelling. Since its founding in 1991, the Jungle has been a flagship example of the transformative power of the performing arts, playing a vital, continuing role in the economic, social and cultural life of its Minneapolis Lyn-Lake neighborhood.

DATES

Previews Wed-Thurs September 13-14 @ 7:30 p.m.

Media Night Friday September 15 @ 7:30 p.m.

Opening Night Saturday September 16 @ 7:30 p.m.

Audio-Described Thursday September 28 @ 7:30 p.m.

Closes Sunday October 15 @ 7:30 p.m.