Photo Flash: First Look at 1st Stage's THE FARNSWORTH INVENTION

In his return to playwriting, celebrated film and television writer Aaron Sorkin's signature style lends itself to the remarkable story of the invention that changed our lives. In 1929, two ambitious visionaries race against each other to invent a device called "television." Separated by two thousand miles, each knows that if he stops working, even for a moment, the other will gain the edge. Who will unlock the key to the greatest innovation of the 20th century: the ruthless media mogul, or the selftaught Idaho farm boy? The answer comes to compelling life in the regional premiere of this "firecracker of a play" (The Chicago Sun-Times).

The 1st Stage production of The Farnsworth Invention by Aaron Sorkin features Sam Ludwig as Philo T. Farnsworth, Jonathan Lee Taylor as David Sarnoff and a powerhouse ensemble including Frank Britton (returning following his Broadway World Award winning performance in Jesus Hopped the 'A' Train), Edward Christian, Katrina Clark, Michael Crowley, Gary DuBreuil, Amanda Forstrom, Jeremy Keith Hunter, Liz Mamana, Tendo Nsubuga, Matthew Sparacino, Caroline Wolfson, and Jacob Yeh. 1st Stage Artistic Director, Alex Levy directs the production.

The design team includes: scenic design by Kathryn Kawecki, costume design by Danielle Preston, lighting design by Robbie Hayes, sound design and original composition by Ethan Balis, movement by Amanda Forstrom, properties design by Cindy Jacobs, and dialects by Jane Margulies Kalbfeld.

The Farnsworth Invention will run at 1st Stage from February 15 through March 11 with show times as follows: Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays at 8 pm, Saturdays at 2 pm and 8 pm, and Sundays at 2pm. General admission tickets are $33. Senior (65+) tickets are $30. Student and military tickets are $15. Subscriptions and Flex Passes are available for savings of up to 30% off regular price tickets. Tickets, Subscriptions, and Flex Passes can be purchased online at www.1ststage.org or by calling the 1st Stage box office at 703-854-1856.

The run time is approximately 2 hours with one 15-minute intermission. Open captioned performances will be offered for select performances. Check www.1stStage.org for the captioning schedule.

The Farnsworth Invention is the third production in 1st Stage's 10th Anniversary season. Following The Farnsworth Invention will be Fly By Night by Will Connolly, Michael Mitnick, and Kim Rosenstock, Directed by Kathryn Chase Bryer (April 12-May 6), and Swimming With Whales a world premiere play by Bob Bartlett, Directed by Alex Levy (May 31- June 24). The 2nd annual Logan Festival of Solo Performance featuring nationally celebrated solo performers will run from July 12-22, 2018.

Now entering its 10th Anniversary Season, 1st Stage Theatre is an award-winning professional theatre in the heart of Tysons, Virginia. The company serves as a cultural hub for the community producing firstrate theatrical productions as well as hosting professional musicians, orchestras, and visual artists, and providing educational opportunities for the community. Awards include the American Theatre Wing National Theatre Company award, Helen Hayes Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Play in 2017 and Outstanding Director of a Musical and Outstanding Lead Actor in 2015, and the John Aniello Award for Outstanding Emerging Theatre Company in 2010. 1st Stage is a member of the Catalogue for Philanthropy class of 2016-2017. In September 2016, The Wall Street Journal called 1st Stage "one of America's most impressive smaller regional companies." The Washington Post named 1st Stage's production of Jesus Hopped the 'A' Train among their list of the "10 Best Washington Theater Productions in 2017." For more information, visit 1st Stage online at www.1ststage.org or follow the theater on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Photo Credit: Teresa Castracane