EgoPo's THE HAIRY APE Opens Tonight

EgoPo Classic Theater's 2014-15 American Giants Festival will close with Eugene O'Neill's masterpiece, The Hairy Ape, running April 8th-26th at the Latvian Society, with press opening tonight, April 10th.

EgoPo carries on their tradition of producing annual themed festival seasons with this year's American Giants Festival, presenting the work of three of America's greatest playwrights: Arthur Miller, Tennessee Williams, and Eugene O'Neill. Through the work of these playwrights, EgoPo is examining the American Dream: its hopes, its promises, and its repercussions on contemporary society and the forging of individual identity. EgoPo has sought to honor the legacy of these powerful playwrights, crafting dynamic and provocative performances that deeply resonate with the America of today.

EgoPo is thrilled to bring Philadelphia audiences this year's season finale: Eugene O'Neill's Expressionist masterpiece, The Hairy Ape. O'Neill is considered to be America's first great playwright, who raised the level of American theater with his use of poetry, symbolism, and expressionism. He was one of the first to create characters that are trapped on the fringe of society; who struggle with, and are unable to achieve, their own hopes and dreams.

In The Hairy Ape, O'Neill directly critiques industrial progress, examining its effects on the human soul. The show begins by submerging audiences into the underbelly of a ship, the world of a coal stocker named Yank. When a chance encounter with a rich heiress shatters his sense of pride, Yank begins a search to find his place in the world. He ventures into the glittery world of capitalism, the backrooms of union halls, only to find himself trapped between heaven and hell. Yank is faced with the stark realization that he is an outsider to society, and that class barriers have stolen his sense of identity and belonging.

Expressionist staging and vigorous athleticism will collide on stage, breathing new life into O'Neill's masterpiece. Expect the visceral performance and dynamic stage pictures for which EgoPo has become known.

EgoPo is thrilled to welcome director Brenna Geffers back for the first time this season. She has previously directed many of EgoPo's fan-favorite productions including last year's Lady from the Sea, starring Genevieve Perrier, Marat/Sade, the hit of the 2010 Fringe Festival, and her beloved Waiting for Godot. Joining Geffers is an incredible team of actors including many familiar EgoPo faces.

EgoPo is happy to have Matteo Scammell join the EgoPo stage for the first time, as Yank. He has been seen on stages across the region such as Philadelphia Theatre Company (Detroit), New Paradise Laboratories (27, The Adults), and the Arden Theatre (Beauty and the Beast). Scammell's strength as a physical actor will be instrumental in developing his performance of O'Neill's infamous anti-hero.

EgoPo is happy to welcome back a large ensemble of veteran EgoPo performers including: Lee Minora as the rich heiress Mildred (Gint, Houdini, Lady from the Sea), Colleen Corcoran as the rebellious Long (Lady from the Sea), Amanda Schoonover as Mildred's Aunt (Jesse James), Langston Darby as the Engineer (Uncle Tom's Cabin), Steven Wright as the nostalgic Paddy (Death of a Salesman, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Marat/Sade), and Maria Konstantinidis as the Secretary (Jesse James, Uncle Tom's Cabin); along with two new EgoPo faces: Carlo Campbell who recently starred in The Brothers Size at Simpatico Theater Project, and Chris Anthony who recently worked with Philadelphia Shakespeare Theater.

O'Neill's masterpiece will be designed by an impressive team of artists including a set design by Barrymore Award winning, Thom Weaver, a costume design by Robin Shane (Death of a Salesman, Lady from the Sea, Doll's House), a lighting designer Matt Sharp (GINT, Lady from Sea, Uncle Tom's Cabin) and sound design by Matthew Lorenz.

Continuing this season's tradition, EgoPo's custom-brewed signature beer, made especially for The Hairy Ape, will be available at the theater. Audience members will receive exclusive entry to the Latvian bar which is open before and after each performance.

The Hairy Ape will be staged at The Latvian Society Theater. Previews begin April 8th, with Press Opening on Friday April 10th; the show will run three weeks, closing on April 26th.