People's Light to Present World Premiere of THE HARASSMENT OF IRIS MALLOY

People's Light presents the world premiere of a suspenseful and sexy political drama by Producing Director Zak Berkman. The Harassment of Iris Malloy features award-winning stage, film and television actor Scott Bryce, and runs from June 15-July 10, 2016 in the Steinbright Stage. People's Light is located at 39 Conestoga Road, Malvern, PA 19355. For tickets, call 610.644.3500 or visit peopleslight.org.

One night in Atlantic City a single mother places a bet on a new life after an intimate encounter with a high-powered U.S. Senator. This provocative new play takes a tense and tender look at the different ways women and men try to win in today's jackpot culture.

"We're so obsessed with winning and losing in our country," says playwright Berkman. "We've created this alluring myth of the 'big win' that has diminished the value of more subtle and complicated achievements, especially for women, for mothers, and all kinds of caretakers.

"There's a real distinction between the sexes regarding these fantasies about exceptionalism," Berkman observes. "Class plays a significant role as well. I want to explore these questions and contribute to a growing national conversation about our society's destructive definitions of success."

Artistic Director & CEO Abigail Adams notes that the theatre will offer curated discussions with the cast after Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday performances of this production. "The play's themes connect closely with current social issues in our country, issues that feel especially critical in light of the upcoming election," she says. "So we want to provide opportunities for immediate, in-depth conversations about the topics raised in the play.

"We hope that patrons will come to a 90-minute performance, then take part in discussions afterwards to share the thoughts, feelings and ideas this play provokes."

For information contact:

Shawn Stone Director of Marketing & Communications 610.647.1900 x104 Cell: 484.678.9728 stone@peopleslight.org

Box Office: 610.644.3500

People's Light welcomes Scott Bryce as Senator Aarons. Bryce's extensive career encompasses theatre, television and film. Onstage, he has worked on and off-Broadway and in many regional theatres. On television, he has received two Emmy nominations, starred in numerous TV movies and miniseries, and guest-starred in dozens of TV series. His films include Up Close & Personal with Robert Redford and Michelle Pfeiffer, Ghost Dog with Forest Whitaker, and Lethal Weapon 3 with Danny Glover and Mel Gibson, to name just a few.

"I first met Scott on the set of As the World Turns when I was twelve years old," remembers Berkman. "He played the scheming Craig Montgomery, manipulating his wife Betsy, who was played by Meg Ryan. I had a kid-crush on Meg, but Scott was the one whose artistry impressed me. The dimensionality he brought to his character, the empathy he was able to elicit for this con artist, captivated my young imagination. It's not an exaggeration to say Scott's work on that show greatly influenced the arc of my creative life.

"I've been fortunate to remain in touch with Scott throughout his multifaceted career. It's an honor and joy to have him here at People's Light, bringing his insight and talent to the character of Senator Robert Aarons."

This is Scott Bryce's People's Light debut. He works alongside three of the Theatre's resident artists: Julianna Zinkel (last seen in Auctioning the Ainsleys) plays the titular character, Iris Malloy; Teri Lamm (last seen in Sense and Sensibility) plays her sister, Cydney Malloy; and Pete Pryor (last seen in Richard III) plays Sticker, George and The Reporter. Returning guest artist Lisa Rothe (Dear Elizabeth) directs. The production team includes new guest artists Daniel Zimmerman (Set Designer), Tracy Christensen (Costume Designer), and Tyler Micoleau (Lighting Designer). Composer/sound designer Justin Ellington (All My Sons) creates music and sound. Lauren Bieber comes to People's Light for the first time to stage manage the production. Company member Gina Pisasale provides dramaturgy and Resident Director Samantha Reading serves as Fight Director.

This production contains sexually explicit language and mature themes. Best enjoyed by ages 18+.

CONNECT, ENGAGE, INTERACT AT PEOPLE'S LIGHT

Join the cast for an informal Q&A after every Tuesday evening, Thursday evening, and Sunday matinee performance.

As with every People's Light production, we offer Scoop on Wednesdays: History, Context, and Gossip, a lively discussion before Wednesday 7:30 pm performances. Resident Dramaturg Gina Pisasale hosts playwright Zak Berkman to get the inside scoop about the rehearsal and production process, design choices, and the world of the play. The conversation begins at 6pm in The Farmhouse Bistro on June 22, 29, and July 6. Cost of $15 includes light fare. Call the Box Office at 610.644.3500.

Enjoy prix fixe Dinner and A Show packages for $75 (Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday matinee, Sunday evening) and $84 (Friday, Saturday evening, Sunday matinee) at The Farmhouse Bistro prior to the Wed- Sun evening performances. That's a savings of up to 15% off the single ticket price. Call the Box Office at 610.644.3500.

People's Light announces SEPTA Saturdays. The Route 204 bus, which runs between the Paoli train station and the Theatre campus, will now service patrons before and after Saturday 2pm matinee performances. Visit www.septa.org for details.

TICKET INFORMATION

The Harassment of Iris Malloy previews on Wednesday, June 15 at 7:30, Thursday, June 16 at 7:30 and Friday, June 17 at 8 pm. The play opens on Saturday, June 18 and runs through Sunday, July 10.

Standard single tickets start at $37. Community Night tickets are $27 for the 7:30 pm performances on June 15 and 16. For tickets, call the Box Office at 610.644.3500. Special discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. For more information or to purchase group tickets, call 610.647.1900 x111 or email benedict@peopleslight.org.

7-play subscription packages for the 2016-2017 season are available for purchase and start at $161. Productions include The Mountaintop (September 28-October 30, 2016), Sleeping Beauty: A Musical Panto (November 16, 2016-January 15, 2017), The Matchmaker (February 15-March 12, 2017), I and You (March 29-April 23, 2017), The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane (May 3-June 4, 2017), Project Dawn (June 7-July 9, 2017), and Moon Over Buffalo (July 19-August 13, 2017). Upgrade to the Ultimate Premiere Package, which includes all 7 plays plus Back Home Again: On the Road with John Denver (December 3, 2016-January 15, 2017) and Surviving Twin, written and performed by Loudon Wainwright III (January 21-February 5, 2017). The new multi-generational Spark Series for children ages 5-12 starts at $56 and includes Sleeping Beauty: A Musical Panto and The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. The Teen Series for children ages 12-19 includes The Mountaintop, Sleeping Beauty: A Musical Panto, The Matchmaker, I and You, and The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. Visit peopleslight.org or call 610- 644-3500 to order.

Actors, prices, productions, performance dates and times are subject to change. Additional service charges will apply. Contact the Box Office for more details.

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