PERMANENT COLLECTION Joins InterAct Theatre Company's 25th Anniversary Season

Inspired by events surrounding Philadelphia's Barnes Foundation, Thomas Gibbons' incisive drama Permanent Collection. The show continues InterAct Theatre Company's 25th Anniversary season as it grapples with conflicting perspectives on race and art. Directed by Producing Artistic Director Seth Rozin, InterAct is thrilled to present this revival of their most successful production in the theatre's history. Due to popular demand, the production has already been extended to May 5.

As relevant now as when first produced in 2003, Permanent Collection explores the controversy provoked when a suburban museum's newly appointed Executive Director puts forward a proposal to change the Permanent Collection. Deftly maneuvering through the emotionally-charged conflicts that ensue, this 2004 Barrymore Award winner for Outstanding New Play compels us to question our consumption of fine art while engaging issues of racial politics and journalistic integrity. Hailed by The Philadelphia Inquirer as "the best work by a local playwright to appear on a Philadelphia stage in several years," Permanent Collection went on to be performed at dozens of theatres and garner critical acclaim across the country.

"I'm thrilled to have Permanent Collection return to InterAct," says playwright Tom Gibbons. "I look forward to working with many of the original cast and production team members and to welcoming some talented new collaborators. It's my hope that the passage of time gives us a fresh perspective on the play's subject and themes."

"Permanent Collection remains a seminal work for InterAct," agrees Seth Rozin. "It still perfectly fulfills the major dimensions of our mission: to ask important questions about the social, political and cultural world we live in; to develop and produce new plays, including by local playwrights; and to promote the ongoing conversation around cultural diversity."

Cast members returning for the production include local favorites Frank X as visionary Executive Director Sterling North and Tim Moyer as his passionate counterpoint Paul Barrow, plus Maureen Torsney-Weir as cagey journalist Gillian Crane and Tom McCarthy as enigmatic founder Alfred Morris. Two actors new to the production -- New York's Lynette Freeman (last seen in InterAct's 2011 production of In A Daughter's Eyes) and Philadelphia's own Karen Vicks - will round out the cast.

The design team includes Set Designer Nick Embree, Lighting Designer Peter Whinnery (The Exit Interview, InterAct Theatre Company), and Sound Designer Kevin Francis, along with Costume Designer Susan Smythe and Properties Designer Avista Custom Theatrical Services.

Permanent Collection runs at InterAct Theatre Company from April 5-May 5, 2013 with previews from April 5-9. Press opening is April 10th. InterAct Theatre Company is located at 2030 Sansom Street. Performances will be held Tuesday - Sunday. Tickets start at just $20 and may be purchased by phone 215-568-8079, on-line at www.interacttheatre.org or in-person at the InterAct Theatre Company Box Office (M-F 10-6).

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