Walking Shadow Debuts SQUAWK At The Minnesota Fringe Festival 8/1 Thru 8/8

Walking Shadow Theatre Company presents the world premiere production of SQUAWK by company member John Heimbuch at the Gremlin Theatre in the Minnesota Fringe Festival from August 1 through 8, 2009. SQUAWK is directed by Amy Rummenie.

When Lieutenant Riley discovers that his bunk-mate is a penguin, he decides to capitalize on his new friend's celebrity status to further his own career -- until the penguin gets the recognition that Riley deserves. A realistic military drama featuring a 3-foot tall penguin puppet, this play explores questions of selfishness, friendship, and understanding between species.

Squawk is directed by company member Amy Rummenie (her tenth production for Walking Shadow). The production features an ensemble cast of three actors: Ryan Lindberg and Melissa Anne Murphy (both of Robots vs. Fake Robots) and Peter Ooley (Caligula, The American Pilot, and The Cryptogram). Also featuring Lt. Andrew Falkland as himself. The penguin puppet is controlled jointly by David Pisa and John Heimbuch (last seen together in Shakespeare's Land of the Dead).

Playwright John Heimbuch's previous works includes Fringe favorites The Lives of the Most Notorious Highwaymen, 10-Speed Revolution, Shakespeare's Land of the Dead, and the London After Midnight series, as well as Or The White Whale, produced at the Southern Theater.

Since 2004, Walking Shadow Theatre has gained a reputation for creating well-staged and carefully researched independent theater. Past productions include the well-received regional premiere of Neil LaBute's Fat Pig at The Playwrights' Center and David Greig's The American Pilot at the Minneapolis Theatre Garage, as well as notable Fringe Festival successes including the sold-out 1926 Pleasant, and Shakespeare's Land of the Dead, best-selling show of the 2008 Fringe.

Tickets are $12/$10 plus one-time purchase of a Fringe Festival button. At 2400 University Ave W, St. Paul, MN 55114. Find out more at www.walkingshadowcompany.org and www.fringefestival.org.