Seth Rudetsky, Nikki M. James, L. Steven Taylor Headline Gingold Theatrical Group's Project Shaw ANDROCLES AND THE LION

Gingold Theatrical Group's Project Shaw, under the leadership of Artistic Director David Staller, concludes its 11th Season when it presents its 119th concert presentation with Shaw's Androcles and the Lion on Monday, December 19 at 7pm, at Symphony Space's Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theatre (2537 Broadway at 95th Street).

One of Shaw's most beloved of absurd light comedies, the story following the fate of a group of Christians being faced with a horrible death in the Roman Coliseum. Based on Aesop's most famous of Fables, Shaw gives it his unique twist, incorporating his passionate plea for human rights and the importance of tolerance.

The cast of Androcles and the Lion features Christine Pedi (Megaera), Seth Rudetsky(Androcles), L. Steven Taylor (the Lion), Nick Corley (Centurion), Nikki M. James (Lavinia), William DeMeritt (The Captain), Jay Russell (Captain-Lentulus), Everett Quinton (Mentellus), Warren Kelley (Spintho), Jim Brochu (Ferrovius), Evan Zes(The Ox Driver), Roberto Cambeiro (Retiarius), ChristIan Ryan (Secutor), Ward Sexton (The Call), Aaron Lee Battle (The Editor), Daniel Schwait (The Keeper), and Peter Bartlett (The Emperor). Ethan Litwin is the Narrator.

According to Staller, "Shaw spent his life trying to help empower the disenfranchised among us and, face it, that's everyone at some point. Embracing the old myth of the meek man coming to the rescue of a mighty lion in ancient Rome, Shaw employs the then new cult of Christianity as his sounding board. In this timely comedy, he asks us to challenge our concept of faith, of self, and of the power of a government that does not seek to represent its entire population."

Tickets are $35 and are available by calling (212) 864-5400 or online at www.symphonyspace.org. Special reserved VIP seating available for $50 by contacting the Gingold office 212-355-7823 or info@gingoldgroup.org.

Now celebrating its 11th year, Gingold Theatrical Group's Project Shaw made history in December 2009 as the first company ever to present performances of every one of Shaw's 65 plays (including full-length works, one-acts and sketches). They are now also including plays by writers who most inspired Shaw to begin his playwriting career, including work by Chekhov, Ibsen, Wilde, Barrie, and Harley Granville-Barker--while continuing its new play development and educational programs.

The 2017 Project Shaw Season opens its 12th Season (with a year-long celebration of Women Take The Stage) with Mrs. Warren's Profession, its 120th concert presentation on January 22. Tickets now available!

For those interested in lively off-site discourses, each Project Shaw event is followed by a talk-back with cast members. GTG's David Staller is also hosting a monthly Shaw Club discussion group. They meet the Wednesday before every Project Shaw event at 520 8th Avenue. Reservations required 212-355-7823 or info@gingoldgroup.org.

Symphony Space's Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theatre space is completely disabled accessible. Symphony Space is located in Manhattan at 2537 Broadway (at 95th Street).

For more information about Project Shaw and Gingold Theatrical Group contact 212-355-7823 or www.projectshaw.org.

Photo Credit: Jennifer Broski