CIRCLE MIRROR TRANSFORMATION Makes Regional Premiere at The Generic Theater Tonight

In an artsy small town, an unlikely collection of strangers sign up for Marty's "Adult Creative Drama" class: a recently divorced carpenter, a high school junior, a former actress, and Marty's husband. "What happens when you get five ordinary people in an acting class, and none of them knows how to act?" asks artistic director Matthew Friedman. "You get a surprising mix of comedy, drama, romance, and intrigue-and every bit of it real."

"Circle Mirror Transformation is perfect for anyone who has ever wondered what goes on in an acting class." says artistic director Jennifer Murphy. Unfolding like a charmingly funny indie film, the group plays Marty's imaginative (and sometimes awkward) theater games. As their relationships develop over the course of the summer, the seemingly silly games generate some real-life drama. "So many people have the perception that acting is about putting up layers to show a certain 'face,' when actually, a brave and talented actor, peels away layers to show us raw parts of themselves," says artistic director Jeannette Rainey. "What I love about this play are the comedic moments the actors find. The audience gets to go on the journey with these characters." Murphy agrees, "The playwright strips away the mystery of the art form while simultaneously revealing the characters' respective transformations that all resonate with any audience."

This delightful comedy from new playwright Annie Baker landed on Top Ten lists of The New York Times and The New Yorker for 2010, and won the Obie Award for Best New American Play. "It is easy to see why Circle Mirror Transformation won Best New American Play," says Friedman. "It's as intimate and as funny as life."

This regional premiere is directed by Garney Johnson and stars Elizabeth Dickerson as Marty, Sarah Hoover as Theresa, Matthew Hutchinson as Schultz, Joel Nathan King as James, and Constantina Pantas as Lauren.

"I've laughed out loud during rehearsals. There are priceless moments that are funny, awkward and endearing," says Rainey. "It is ultimately the core of what we love about drama - its the real moments of life and the unpredictable journey."

Circle Mirror Transformation opens tonight, June 7 and runs Thursdays through Sundays until June 30 at The Generic Theater in Norfolk, Virginia. Tickets and reservations may be secured at www.generictheater.org .