Theatre Pro Rata to Produce BEAUTY QUEEN OF LEENANE at Park Square Theatre's Boss Thrust Stage

Theatre Pro Rata revealed details today about its upcoming production of The Beauty Queen of Leenane by Martin McDonagh. The play, which will be performed at Park Square Theatre's Andy Boss Thrust Stage in St. Paul, will feature Twin Cities theatre powerhouse and multiple Ivey Award-winner Sally Wingert.

THE PLAY:

McDonagh's first play centers around the relationship between Maureen and her mother Mag in the small house they share in the village of Leenane, County Galway, Ireland. A brutal codependence exists between them which prevents Maureen from improving her prospects. When an old flame returns to the village she sees a possible escape, but she'll have to confront Mag first.

Asked about Pro Rata's choice of Beauty Queen, director Carin Bratlie Wethern said, "I've been itching to direct Beauty Queen for over a decade, the script is wickedly funny, and I'm looking forward to bringing it to Park Square." This marks the second producing collaboration between Pro Rata and Park Square. Regarding working in the new theatre space, Bratlie Wethern remarked that, "the intimate Andy Boss Thrust Stage is perfect for this show: we're pulling the house right down onto the thrust and into the audience's laps, they will be right in the middle of all the action."

THE ARTISTS:

In addition to featuring Wingert as Mag, the play stars Theatre Pro Rata company member Amber Bjork as Maureen, the titular faded beauty. Also appearing are Pro Rata member Grant Henderson and Taylor Evans in his premiere with the company.

THEATRE PRO RATA:

Since 2001 Pro Rata (Latin for "in proportion") has produced smart, vivid, varied, and gutsy theater in the Twin Cities. Focusing on the text of the play, the company offers performers and audiences the chance to engage the characters, themes, and language more completely. Ranging from classic dramas to modern black comedies, Theatre Pro Rata produces scripts that engender this exploration while still bringing visceral theatrical experiences to the stage.

Recent accolades for Pro Rata include a Best of 2014-15 nod for The Illusion (2015, Minnesota Playlist); Best Dramatic and Best Supporting Actor honors and Best of Twin Cities Theater for 1984 (2014, Lavender Magazine and City Pages); rave reviews, record-breaking attendance, and multiple BroadwayWorld Award nominations for its production of Emilie: La Marquise du Châtelet Defends Her Life Tonight (2013).

All performances at: Park Square Theatre's Andy Boss Thrust Stage (20 West 7th Place St. Paul, MN 55102).

Tickets are $40 to $60, reserved seating. To purchase tickets in advance, please visit Park Square Theatre's website, http://parksquaretheatre.org/box-office/shows/2015-16/the-beauty-queen-of-leenane/ or make reservations by calling the Park Square's box office at (651) 291-7005.

For other questions about the production, please call Theatre Pro Rata at (612) 234-7135, email info@theatreprorata.org, or visit our website, http://www.theatreprorata.org.

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