Reston Community Players Presents CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF

It's been called author Tennessee Williams' best work and is widely known as his favorite. Now the classic Southern drama Cat on a Hot Tin Roof takes the stage in Reston Community Players' 51st season. The play, which has been called an "American treasure brimming with intensity and wit," will perform at the Reston Community Center March 9-24.

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof tells the story of alcoholic and former high school football player Brick Pollitt and his sultry wife, Maggie. They've joined the rest of the Pollitt family to celebrate Big Daddy's 65th birthday, but secrets abound at this Southern plantation in a story of survival and family dysfunction. The original screenplay rose to fame in the 1950s with a motion picture starring Paul Newman and Elizabeth Taylor in the lead roles of Brick and Maggie.

"Cat is one of my favorite stage productions, and it is an honor to bring these characters to life at Reston," said Sharon Veselic, who directs the show. "While the story takes place in the 1950s, many of the dynamics of the personalities portrayed on stage are still relevant today. It's a true classic."

The cast of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof features Jonathan Blansfield and Susan Smythe Robertson in the roles of Brick and Maggie. Joining them are Bill Byrnes (Big Daddy), Gayle Nichols-Grimes (Big Mama), Andy Gable (Gooper), Cara Giambrone (Mae), Adrian Vigil (Doc Baugh), Richard Durkin (Rev. Tooker), and Robin Lynn Reaves (Lacey). The Pollitt children are played by Jane Keifer, Emma Smigielski, Jos eph Smigielski, and Finneas Hargadon.

Joining Veselic on the creative team are Kate Keifer (Producer), Matt Liptak (Set Design), Jon Roberts (Sound Design), Ken & Patti Crowley (Lighting Design), Mary Jo Ford (Props), Cathy Rieder (Set Painter), Charlotte Marson and Mary Rankin (Costume Design), Rebecca Harris (Hair/Makeup), Eileen Mullee (Stage Manager), and Micheal J. O'Connor (Assistant Stage Manager).

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof will perform March 9-24, 2018 at the Reston Community Center's CenterStage in Reston, VA. For tickets, contact the box office at (703) 476-4500 x3 or online at www.restonplayers.org. CenterStage is accessible and offers listening devices for the hearing impaired. Due to adult themes and brief nudity, this production is recommended for ages 16 and up.

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof is presented by arrangement with Dramatists Play Service on behalf of the University of South, Sewanee, Tennessee.

Reston Community Players (RCP) is a 501 c3 non-profit organization that has been producing quality theatrical productions since 1966. The Reston Community Players has brought to the public a variety of theatrical experiences over the years and is committed to theatrical excellence and professionalism through the promotion of diverse, creative experiences for the education and cultural enrichment of the community. Partially funded by grants from Fairfax County in cooperation with the Arts Council of Fairfax County, RCP welcomes all and offers something for everyone. Visit RCP online at www.restonplayers.org.