Al Letson Brings Summer in Sanctuary to the Abingdon Theatre, Opens 3/25

Providing a glimpse into one man's attempt to use words and poetry as a means to connect with young people living in an economically challenged community, 'Summer in Sanctuary' opens this Friday, March 25 at the Abingdon Theatre in New York City, for a 3-week run.

Raised in a middle class New Jersey home, noted poet, playwright and NPR host Al Letson is the proverbial fish out of water during his time spent working as part camp counselor, part writer-in-residence at the Sanctuary on 8th Street, a community center in an underserved neighborhood in Jacksonville, Florida, the summer of 2006. Raised in a middle class home, Letson's eyes are opened to the struggles of the disadvantaged children at the Sanctuary, who are more concerned with survival than the words of George Bernard Shaw.

In a marriage of old and new forms, Letson weaves his story in the style of monologist Spalding Gray, but he brings his own style infused slam poetry, actual videos of his time with the kids, and musical accompaniment by hip hop producer Willie Evans Jr.

With 'Summer in Sanctuary', Letson challenges perceptions of race and class. As he moves swiftly from one end of the stage to the other, neck swirling, gum popping, the occasional rap free style - then returning fluidly to form and offering first-person thoughts and actions - Letson embodies not only the characters of the children with whom he sought a connection, but the struggle to do so when juxtaposed with his Theo Huxtable-like existence. The audience witnesses the internal frustration experienced as Letson makes attempts - at times, fumbled - to reach a community of young people who reject Letson's teachings with blank expressions, hurled insults, and spit in the face.

The show returns to New York City this year after premiering in Baltimore at the Theatre Project to reviews from the Baltimore Sun and WYPR; after which Letson continued to perform the show around the county including Jacksonville, Florida and New York.

'Summer in Sanctuary' is directed by Rob Urbinati, who helmed Foggy Bottom and The President and Her Mistress, both of which played at the Abington during their 2006/7 season. Music by Willie Evans Jr; developed and directed by Gary Anderson.

WHEN: Friday, March 25, 2011 - Sunday, April 17, 2011

Performance schedule:
Opening Night, 3/25, at 8:00pm
2nd Saturday, 3/26, at 2:00pm
3rd Saturday, 3/26, 8:00pm
4th Sunday, 3/27, 2:00pm

From March 30 - April 17:
Wednesdays, Thursdays at 7:00pm
Fridays, Saturdays at 8:00pm
Saturdays, Sundays at 2:00pm
Sunday, 4/3, 5:00pm
Closing Night, 4/17

WHERE: Abingdon Theatre, 312 W 36th St # 1, New York, NY 10018-64

COST: Tickets are $25 and can be purchased by visiting www.abingdontheatre.org.