Azuka Theatre has world premiere of The Boys Feb 1-19

 Philadelphia's Azuka Theatre presents the world premiere of The Boys by Kris Elgstrand. Directed by Azuka's Producing Artistic Director, Kevin Glaccum, the show runs February 1-19 at Second Stage at the Adrienne Theater, 2030 Sansom Street. Performances are Wednesday through Saturday at 8:00 P.M., Sundays at 2:00 P.M.

The Boys is a dark comedy of two brothers who return to their childhood home after their father's funeral. Forced to stay overnight in the house, they engage in a battle of wits with their step-mother over their family's past and their own futures. The cast features Barrymore-Award winners Pete Pryor, Mary Martello and Mike Dees.

Director Kevin Glaccum began working with Azuka Theater as an actor during its inaugural season. He was soon asked to officially join the company, which then led to a directing gig. He now he serves as the company's Producing Artistic Director. He has also worked with a variety of theaters throughout Philadelphia, including the Arden Theater Company, 1812 Productions, Philadelphia Shakespeare Festival, and the Philadelphia Fringe Festival.

Playwright Kris Elgstrand studied acting with the Atlantic Theater Company in New York with David Mamet and William H. Macy. In 1993, he co-founded Ah Um Theatre where his productions have included Black Codes: Three Plays (Canada/US Fringe Festival tour), Life With A Hole In It, and Murder Ballads. Other productions include Clean Dirt (The Other Theatre, Los Angeles), and Dead Man's Shoes (The Khyber, Halifax). Kris has also written several short films including imetacanine (Winner, Best Film, Reelfast Film Festival, 2003), and Man Feel Pain (winner, Bravo!FACT Short Cuts Canada Award, Toronto International Film Festival, 2004).

Glaccum first met Elgstrand through a friend in 2001 on a vacation in Vancouver. Elgstrand presented him with a copy of The Boys, and Glaccum has been working towards a production ever since. Having directed four shows since Azuka's inception, Glaccum "knew that I was going to direct The Boys, that I wasn't going to let anyone else do it." He staged a very successful reading of the show a year and a half ago, using the same cast, described as his "dream cast." He decided to cast Pete Pryor in the dynamic role of Donny immediately, knowing that he could "bring exactly what was needed to the part. Donny does some despicable things, but they come from a decent, good place. I knew that Pete wouldn't make you hate the character, that he would make you love him." Glaccum asked Mary Martello to do the reading, "because we were friends and I knew she would do it for me. And as soon as I heard her read it, it was a done deal. I knew I didn't want anyone else doing it. She is just the right look for it, she needs to be maternal enough and still very sexy." The third cast member, Mike Dees, worked with Azuka last year in the playlet Grand Dames, which was paired with their production of Laura's Bush. Dees was asked to do the reading, "and he brought so much to it. After the reading, I knew I wanted these three actors."

A "nomad" company, Azuka Theater utilizes space throughout Philadelphia. Their last show, 'Twas the Night played the Prince Music Theater and was the company's most successful production to date. A family-friendly show for the holidays, 'Twas the Night was a departure from the company's usual dark or non-traditional fare. But its success may be the beginning of a new tradition, as Azuka is planning another holiday show in late '06.

More information on this world premiere is available at www.azukatheatre.org. For tickets, call 215-733-0255.