SPEAKING IN TONGUES Opens at the WST's Independence Studio

Walnut Street Theatre's 2010-2011 Independence Studio on 3 season continues with Andrew Bovell's psychological thriller, SPEAKING IN TONGUES. Directed by John Peakes, the production begins with previews on March 29th, opens March 31st and continues through April 17th in the Walnut's Independence Studio on 3.

Four actors create nine characters whose lives intersect in seemingly random incidents throughout SPEAKING IN TONGUES. This intriguing trilogy of interwoven stories unveils a lonely marriage, a missing person, indiscretion and betrayal. On an isolated road, a leading psychiatrist disappears. As a detective works to piece together what happened, he delivers a puzzle of relationships in crisis. People are not who they seem to be. This highly charged thriller is a painfully honest and wickedly funny drama about making mistakes and living with the consequences.

SPEAKING IN TONGUES has toured the world to great acclaim since it was first produced at Sydney's Griffin Theatre Company in 1996. It made its US premiere in 2001 at the Roundabout Theatre Company in New York, where it was hailed as "Clever, Provactive and Resonant!" by The New York Times and "Evocative and Hynotic!" by USA Today.

SPEAKING IN TONUGES was written by the Australian playwright Andrew Bovell. Bovell was awarded the AWGIE award for Best Stage Play in 1997. In 2001, he adapted the play for screen as Lantana which won him the AFI Award for Best Adapted Screenplay (2001) and the London Critics' Circle Film Award for Best Screenplay (2003). His playwrighting credits include After Dinner, Holy Day, Scenes from a Separation and Who's Afraid of the Working Class?. His screenwriting credits include the acclaimed film Strictly Ballroom, which he co-wrote.

The cast of SPEAKING IN TONGUES includes local favorites Ian Merrill Peakes (Pete/Nick/John), his wife Karen Peakes (Jane/Sarah), Susan Riley Stevens (Sonja/Valerie) and William Zielinski (Leon/Neil). Ian Merrill Peakes has appeared in Walnut productions including Of Mice and Men (Whit) and Enchanted April (Antony Wilding). Karen Peakes returns to the Walnut after appearing in Fallen Angels (Jane). Susan Riley Stevens from Walnut productions Fallen Angels (Julia Sterroll) and A Streetcar Named Desire (Blanche) also joins the cast of SPEAKING IN TONGUES. Finally, Walnut audiences will remember William Zielinski as Louie in Lost in Yonkers and more recently from Mr. Baily's Minder.

SPEAKING IN TONGUES is directed by John Peakes who made his directorial debut at the Walnut last season with the hilarious Travels With My Aunt. He has also been seen on the Walnut's Mainstage in productions including Oliver! and 42nd Street. Peakes is the co-founder and former Artistic Director of BoarsHead Theatre in Lansing, Michigan.

The Walnut welcomes back Scenic Designer Glen Sears (The Ugly One), Lighting Designer Shon Causer (The Glass Menagerie) and Sound Designer Paul Winnick (The Ugly One). Costume Designer Julia Poiesz brings her talent to the Walnut's Independence Studio on 3 stage for the first time. Julia has previously designed costumes for the WST for Kids' productions The Berenstain Bears' Family Matters and A Christmas Carol.

Season sponsors for the 2010-2011 Independence Studio on 3 Season are The Independence Foundation and Macy's. Media season sponsors are Philadelphia Weekly and WRTI Radio. Tickets are $30 and are now available at 215-574-3550 or 215-336-1234. Tickets are also available at WalnutStreetTheatre.org or Ticketmaster.com.

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