Choreographer Sonya Tayeh and HURRICANE DIANE at TRT

Chaos meets curb appeal in Two River Theater's upcoming production, Hurricane Diane. This wild comedy that has been commissioned for the theater is written by Pulitzer Prize-Finalist Madeleine George and Directed By Two-Time Obie Award-Winner and Tony Nominee, Leigh Silverman.

Beginning previews on January 14, the Greek god Dionysus takes form as Diane, a lesbian permaculture gardener from Vermont. She's on a mission to gather followers and restore the Earth to its natural state. Where better to begin than on a Monmouth County cul-de-sac and with the women who live there?

The cast includes Mia Barron, Becca Blackwell, Nikiya Mathis, Danielle Skraastad and Kate Wetherhead. The production features choreography by NYC based choreographer and teacher, Sonya Tayeh who is best known for her aggressive, sometimes jarring, emotional and powerful choreography. She has worked with musical sensations like Kylie Minogue, Florence and the Machines, Miley Cyrus and more. She has garnered acclaim for her work in the worlds of dance and theater, including two Emmy nominations in 2015 and 2013 for So You Think You Can Dance.

Sonya talked about her involvement with Two River and the show, she says, "This is my first time at TRT and hopefully not the last! Everyone is so kind and welcoming and accommodating."

Sonya moved to New York City just three years ago to dive into the theater world and she is loving it. She is especially pleased to be working on Hurricane Diane, "The wonderful Leigh Silverman asked me to join and of course I said yes! This is our 4th project together." Sonya is working with the five amazing actors that make up the cast of Hurricane Diane. She also commented, "They are a group of women who thrive on collaboration and are open to moving their bodies in a hyper intense way to tell the story."

Next, Sonya is working at Under the Radar at The Public Theatre on a show called Hundred Days and working on a show at Theatre for a New Audience with Arin Arbus called Skin of Our Teeth.

Hurricane Diane will be performed at Two River Theater in Red Bank from January 14th to February 12. For more information and ticketing, visit http://www.tworivertheater.org/.

Photo: Courtesy of Sonya Tayeh