Virginia Stage Company Opens THE WHIPPING MAN, 2/26

Matthew Lopez' The Whipping Man opens at Virginia Stage Company this month. A co-production with Marin Theatre Company of Mill Valley, CA, The Whipping Man runs February 26 - March 17, 2013 at downtown Norfolk's Wells Theatre.

War-ruined Richmond, Passover, 1865 - Soldier Caleb, raised a devout Jew, returns home disillusioned and faithless as the annual celebration of freedom from bondage is celebrated in Jewish homes across the country. While Caleb and his family's former slaves work to rebuild their lives and restore their shared faith, secrets threaten their new-found freedom.

Dress Rehearsal is open to the public on Sunday, February 24 at 7:00 pm with a donation of $15. Preview performances are at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, February 25 and at 8:00 pm on Wednesday & Thursday, February 26 & 27 with all seats just $25. Opening Night will be Friday, February 28 at 8 pm, with complimentary champagne toast and light dessert. An ASL Signed Performance will take place Saturday, March 9 at 8:00 pm. Tickets may be purchased through Ticketmaster by calling 800-982-2787, at any Ticketmaster outlet, at the VSC box office, or online at www.vastage.com. Group discounts for 10 or more are available by calling 757-627-6988 ext. 358. Regular performances run Tuesdays at 7:00 pm, Wed./Thur./Fri. at 8:00pm, Saturdays at 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm, and Sundays at 2:00 pm through March 17, 2013. Tickets range $25-$50.

The Whipping Man, author Matthew Lopez's debut play, is Winner of the 2011 John Gassner New Play Award from the NY Outer Critics Circle. His other works include Reverberation, The Legend of Georgia McBride, Zoey's Perfect Wedding and The Sentinels. In addition to playwriting, Lopez is a staff writer on the HBO series The Newsroom.

For more information, visit http://www.vastage.com/the-plays/whipping-man