Photo Flash: SUPERIOR DONUTS Extends at Theater On The Edge

Finishing its first season strong, Theater On The Edge is extending its run of Superior Donuts, by Tracy Letts, through Sunday, July 9th. The comedy-drama stars local comedian Sean Philippe alongside the theater's resident ensemble cast members Allan Whitehead, Marco DiGeorge, and Zack Roundy. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

The nine-person ensemble also features Cecilia Gazzara, Mark Kelly, Robb Maus, Nelia Lake and Anthony Belevtsov. Directed by Pam Harbaugh, Superior Donuts has been receiving glowing reviews and has sold out its entire initial run of the show, prompting a need for additional performances.

Theater On The Edge is becoming known for its hyper-realistic set design, created by Samantha DiGeorge, and in-depth performances, and has received much acclaim for its recent productions. In David Mamet's American Buffalo, Samantha transformed the small venue into a 1975 south Chicago junk shop, and in Stephen Belber's Tape, she created a realistic environment of a 1999 run-down motel room. Now with Superior Donuts, Samantha has created her most sophisticated set to date with an uptown Chicago donut shop.

Samantha DiGeorge says, "My passion and goal is to create an 'actual' environment where the actors and audience can be fully immersed and embrace the surrounding of the story."

The world premiere of Superior Donuts was staged by the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago in 2008, and it premiered on Broadway in 2009. Recently, Superior Donuts was adapted into an American sitcom for CBS, starring Judd Hirsch, Jermaine Fowler, and Katey Sagal.

Arthur Przybyszewski (Allan Whitehead) owns a decrepit donut shop in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago. Franco Wicks (Sean Philippe), a black teenager who is his only employee, wants to change the shop for the better. Superior Donuts, by Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Tracy Letts, explores the challenges of embracing the past and the redemptive power of friendship.

Producer and theater Artistic Director Marco DiGeorge says, "We have been humbled by the overwhelming support and praise for our production of Superior Donuts and are thrilled to be able to extend the run so more people can see it."

Tickets on sale now at www.TheaterOnTheEdge.org and prices range from $19 to $24 for weekend shows, and $16 to $18 for select Wednesday night performances.

Photo Credit: Monica Mulder - www.monicamulder.com