Apothetae Theater's THE PENALTY Premieres at Dixon Place Tonight

Dixon Place and The Apothetae Theater present the world premiere musical of Clay McLeod Chapman's The Penalty for 6 weekend performances only beginning tonight, June 14 at 7:30. With music by Nature City of Oklahoma's Robert M. Johanson (Life and Times) and direction by Kris Thor (Blackout, Diving Normal), this production brings together a dream team of rising talent currently experiencing significant milestones in their respective careers. The Penalty is also the debut production of The Apothetae theater, a New York based company founded by and for actors and theater professionals with physical disabilities.

The Penalty is Chapman's, (The Pumpkin Pie Show, Tribe, Henley), first full length play and is based on the 1920 novel & movie by Gouverneur Morris. Lon Chaney starred in the film which catapulted him into the most successful actor to portray macabre characterS. Chapman is on his way to becoming a triple threat in arts and entertainment with his successful projects in literature, film, and now theater/performance.

The story follows Blizzard, a legless beggar who is a criminal kingpin on New York's Lower East Side. He is intent on seeking revenge on the doctor who amputated his legs at a young age. His plan is to kidnap Clary, the fiance of the doctor's daughter, and graft his legs onto his own. Blizzard is assisted in his diabolical plan by a troupe of saloon and dance hall girls who are called upon to do his bidding.

Performances for The Penalty are as follows: Preview: Thursday, June 13 @ 7:30; Fridays, & Saturdays June 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 & 29 @ 7:30. Dixon Place is located at 161A Chrystie Street, New York, NY 10002. Tickets: $15 GA / $18 door / $12 Students & Seniors. For more information, visit www.dixonplace.org or call 212 219-0736. Run time: 70 minutes - no intermission.