Inis Nua Theatre Company Presents LONG LIVE THE LITTLE KNIFE, 2/4-22

Hot on the heels of winning five Barrymore awards, Inis Nua Theatre Company returns with the American premiere of Long Live the Little Knife by David Leddy at the Off-Broad Street Theater (First Baptist Church, 1636 Sansom Street). This fast-paced and hilarious romp features con artists turned art forgers as they tangle with Russian oligarchs, brothels, castrated labradoodles and spirit mediums. Tickets are on sale for $25 and $30 by calling (215) 454-9776 or visiting inisnuatheatre.org.

Opening night is Friday, February 6 at 8:00pm, with previews on Wednesday, February 4 and Thursday, February 5 at 7:00pm. Knife runs for a total of 16 performances, through February 22, 2015. Leddy will also be in Philadelphia for a talk-back after the show on February 4, attend a post-show reception on February 5, and attend opening night reception on February 6. For shows on February 7, 12 and 13, patrons that try to sneak in with their best attempt at a forged ticket will get $3.00 off admission at the door and a chance to win a pair of tickets to the last show of the season, Penelope.

"Long Live the Little Knife adeptly picks up where Ciphers left off in October, but adds a sharp wit and higher stakes," said Founder and Artistic Director Tom Reing. "Audiences will continue to question who and what they can trust - in life and on stage - as Inis Nua shares another simple, yet well told, story from across the ocean."

Meet Liz and Jim, con artists turned art forgers. But are they from London or Glasgow? The players or the played? Or are they just actors? Set in an abandoned construction site turned artist studio, Knife is a fast-paced tale of swindling, dirty tricks and false identities. Husband and wife scammers set out to become the greatest art forgers in the world. What they gain-and what they lose-makes for a shocking, funny and oddly uplifting trip. The Guardian says, "You need to keep your wits about you, but you will still be taken in by this hugely enjoyable romp."

The American premiere of Knife is directed by Reing and stars Corinna Burns (Curious Case of the Watson Intelligence by Azuka Theatre, 99 Breakups by Pig Iron Theatre Company) and Tim Dugan (Associate Artistic Director of Saratoga Shakespeare Co. appearing most recently as the title role in Macbeth, Frost/Nixon at New City Stage). Noah Levine (stage managing includes Nellie/Nellie at Antigravity Theatre Project and Twilight Los Angeles, 1992 at the University of Pennsylvania) will serve as the stage manager. The show has honorary producers of Jake and Joe Marini.

Lauren Tracy (production manager), Meghan Jones (set), Katherine Fritz (costumes), Andrew Cowles (lighting) and Aaron Oster (sound) will help transform the Off Broad Street Theater - stage AND seating area - into an industrial site where the line blurs between art and reality. Dust sheets, halogen lamps, real fake masterpieces and unexpected seating arrangements will help Inis Nua create a farce where life truly imitates art. Audience members will even heist their own limited edition, numbered masterpiece posing as the program.

Knife was born as a mini-commission for the Royal Shakespeare Company in the British Museum. It got such an overwhelming response that Leddy brought the characters back for a full-length escapade for the 2013 Edinburgh Festival Fringe where it sold out and received fifteen four star reviews.

Long Live the Little Knife opens on Friday, February 6 at 8:00pm, with previews on Wednesday, February 4 and Thursday, February 5 at 7:00pm. Knife runs for a total of 16 performances, through February 22, 2015. Tickets are on sale for $25 and $30 by calling (215) 454-9776 or visiting http://inisnuatheatre.org. The 2014/2015 season continues after Knife with Penelope by Enda Walsh April 8 to 26, 2015. For more information, and to join the conversation, please like Inis Nua Theatre Company on Facebook and follow @InisNuaTheatre on Twitter.

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