The REP Presents ROPE, 9/28-10/14

The REP, Point Park University's professional theatre company, presents a chilling rendition of Rope by PatRick Hamilton at the Pittsburgh Playhouse Sept. 28 – Oct. 14; guest artist Elmore James directs.

In this twisted tale, for the mere sake of adventure, danger, and the "fun of the thing," Wyndham Brandon persuades his weak-minded friend, Charles Granillo, to assist him in the murder of a fellow undergraduate. They place the body in a wooden chest, invite a few acquaintances, and host a dinner party with the chest as the supper table. Horror and tension swell gradually; thunder grows outside, the guests leave, and we see the reactions of the two murderers to the strange, twisted series of events. James creates an edgy, American-ized version of this psychological drama filled with shock and suspense.

James is a theater director, musical performer, opera singer, and acting and musical theater teacher. He's worked in the United States and in Europe; on Broadway; in regional theater and opera; at the Metropolitan Opera House; and the opera houses of Italy, Germany, France and Scandinavia. He has directed everything from Shakespeare, Tennessee Williams, Harold Pinter and Lanford Wilson to Jerry Herman, Stephen Sondheim, Rodgers and Hammerstein and Andrew Lloyd Weber. His award-winning career spans over 40 years.

The REP's production of Rope features John Steffenauer as Wyndham Brandon, Nicholas J. Browne as Charles Granillo, Kevin O'Leary as Sabot, Jaron Frand as Kenneth Raglan, Rebecca Knowles as Leila Arden, Sean Sears as Sir Johnstone Kentley, Jennifer Tober as Mrs. Debenham, and Ryan K. Witt as Rupert Cadell.

Scenic design is by Gianni Downs; costume design is by Cathleen Crocker-Perry; lighting design is by Scott Weston; and sound design is by StEve Shapiro.

Rope previews Thursday, Sept. 27, and runs from Friday, Sept. 28 through Sunday, Oct. 14 in the Studio Theater. Performances are Thursday – Saturday at 8 p.m. and Saturday - Sunday at 2 p.m. Dunkin' Donuts is sponsoring a talkback on Friday, Oct. 5, 2012.

Individual tickets range in price from $24 to $27. Preview tickets are $15. To order, contact the Pittsburgh Playhouse box office by phone 412-392-8000 or online www.pittsburghplayhouse.com.

Patrons can take advantage of "pay what you will" on Saturday, Sept. 29 for the 2 p.m. performance.