Theater Works Presents BURNING IN THE NIGHT, Now thru 2/24

Theater Works - Peoria Center for the Performing Arts Resident Theatre Company will present the dramatic stories of a real-life legendary hobo in Dale Wasserman's Burning in the Night: A Hobo's Song opening tonight, January 25, 2013 and playing through February 24, 2013.

Burning in the Night: A Hobo's Song tells the tales of a Hobo, one of the many who rode the rails of America in the 1930s, looking for work. It is based on the experiences of Dale Wasserman, the award-winning playwright best known for Man of La Mancha and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.

Mr. Wasserman made his home in Paradise Valley in his later life; however his young life was not so posh. At age eight this renowned playwright was orphaned and homeless. At fourteen, he was lured by the rails, train whistles, dreams of freedom and adventure.

Dale Wasserman's memoirs inspire the story of Burning in the Night: A Hobo's Song. They have been adapted for the stage by Richard Warren, playwright and co-founder of Phoenix Theatre's New Works Festival.

"Burning in the Night: A hobo's Song encompasses both the romance and the danger of the road," commented Daniel Schay, Executive Director of Theater Works and Director of this World Premiere production. "Richard Warren has captured Dale's unique voice - the humor and irreverence, coupled with wisdom and heart, which can be found in his characters, from Quixote/Cervantes in Man of La Mancha to McMurphy in Cuckoo's Nest."

The production features an extensive score of American folk songs, performed by members of Jam Pak Blues 'N' Grass Neighborhood Band , a highly acclaimed band based in Chandler, Arizona. "The music adds context to the play, as well as sense of time and place," continues Schay. "For some, the music will be reminiscent of younger days and for others an introduction to an earlier America."

The "Hobo" is played by Mike Lawler. Mr. Lawler is a member of Actors Equity and has previously played leading roles for Theater Works, Phoenix Theatre, Actors Theatre of Phoenix, and many other VAlley Theatres.