World Premiere of ORGANIC SHRAPNEL to Begin Performances 1/31 at Theater 54

Wave Productions in association with Shetler Studios & Theatres present the World Premiere of Charles Cissel's ORGANIC SHRAPNEL, directed by Robin A. Paterson. Previews begin January 31 at Theater 54 with opening slated for February 7.

In ORGANIC SHRAPNEL, twin brothers navigate the isolation of small town America and the terrors of war abroad. When tragedy strikes, the brothers' family struggles to put the pieces back together. A memory play about family, loss and displaced love. ORGANIC SHRAPNEL was inspired by a New York Times article about the pieces of flesh and bone that become projectiles when suicide bombers strike.

The production stars James Patrick Nelson (Ivanov, A Midsummer Night's Dream and Three Sisters , all at CSC Rep), Zach Wegner, John Calvin Kelly, Mollie Downes, Monica Wyche and Jed Dickson, with costumes by Sarah Gosnell, original music by Tim Giles, lighting by Robin A. Paterson, and stage management by Kate Black.

Charles Cissel has had five plays produced Off-Off Broadway including GOD STEELING, HOME SWEET HOME/CRACK, ROSA RUGOSA/TOUCH ME, and SPLATTER. These plays have been presented at venues including The Ohio Theater, Theatre 54, Center Stage and Theatre 22. As an actor, he has performed in 3 Tennessee Williams, 3 Greek Tragedies, 2 Albees, 1 Odets and 1 O'Neill.

Robin A. Paterson's international career spans more than 150 productions. Active in the creation of new plays, he has collaborated on more than 50 premieres. New York premieres include GOD STEELING by Charles Cissel (Wave Productions); TWO-MAN KIDNAPPING RULE by Joseph Gallo (New Ohio Theatre); PSYCHOMACHIA by Jenny Lane (Artistic New Directions); STRESS POSITIONS by Daniel Sweren-Becker (SoHo Playhouse); HUMANS ANONYMOUS by Kate Hewlett (Bridge Theatre Company); ZARATHUSTRA SAID SOME THINGS, NO? by Trevor Ferguson (Infinitheatre); and MAKING MARILYN by Ken Cameron (Bridge Theatre Company). Since September 2006, Robin has been the Managing Artistic Director of Shetler Studios & Theatres.

ORGANIC SHRAPNEL runs January 31 - February 23; Thursday - Saturday at 8pm, and Sunday at 3pm, with added performances on Monday, February 3, 8pm, and Wednesday, February 19, 8pm. (Please note: no show Sunday, Feb. 2). Theatre 54 @ Shetler Studios is located at 244 West 54th Street, 12th floor, between 8th Avenue and Broadway -- accessible from the A,B,C,D,1&9 trains at Columbus Circle. Tickets are $18, available at www.smarttix.com or 212-868-4444.

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