Orlando Shakespeare Theater's BAD DOG Begins Today

Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF presents the World Premiere of Bad Dog, beginning today, April 8 - May 3, 2015. Written by Jennifer Hoppe-House (Showtime's Nurse Jackie, DirecTV's Damages, and Netflix's upcoming Grace and Frankie), the new play returns for a full production in the Goldman Theater, following its staged reading in 2013's festival of new plays, PlayFest. Single tickets to Bad Dog ($10 - $45) are available now by calling (407) 447-1700 ext. 1, visiting www.orlandoshakes.org, or in person at the Lowndes Shakespeare Center (812 East Rollins Street).

After ten years of sobriety, Molly Drexler tumbles "off the wagon" by driving her Prius through her house. Her family tries to cope with her wreckage, but end up running headfirst into their own demons. Old wounds are re-opened and new ones are made in this biting new play that takes family dysfunction to the extreme.

"Bad Dog was an audience favorite at PlayFest and we're thrilled to bring Jennifer Hoppe-House's words to full vibrancy," said Director of New Play Development and Bad Dog Director Mark Routhier. "The play holds an unrelenting mirror up to addiction and family dysfunction-reflecting both the tragic and hilarious moments of life."

Bad Dog features Ginger Lee McDermott (Steppenwolf Theatre Company's The Crucible, Northlight Theatre's World Premiere of Sense and Sensibility, and Mad Cow Theatre's Other Desert Cities) as Molly. Suzanne O'Donnell (2015's To Kill a Mockingbird) and Anne Hering (2014's A Christmas Carol) reprise their PlayFest roles as Molly's older sisters, Linda and Becky. Local favorite Elizabeth Murff (Thoroughly Modern Millie National Tour) appears as their overbearing, but well-intentioned mother, Lois.

Additional casting includes Jennifer Bonner (Abby), William Metzo (Walter), and Gladys Rodriguez (Sondra), with multiple male roles played by Mark Ferrera.

The Orlando Shakes production team includes Director Mark Routhier, Scenic Designer Bob Phillips, Lighting Designer Holly Stallard, Costume Designer Denise R. Warner, and Sound Designer Britt Sandusky.

Bad Dog is presented by Harriett Lake and sponsored in part by BB&T Wealth and Ingrid & Coleman Cordell, with additional support from Frank Santos & Dan Dantin. This project is also funded in part by Orange County Government through the Arts & Cultural Affairs Program.

Orlando Shakespeare Theater is supported by United Arts of Central Florida, host of www.power2give.org/centralflorida, and the collaborative Campaign for the Arts. Orlando Shakespeare Theater is also sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.

Photo by Tony Firriolo