ACT Completes 4000 MILES Cast

American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) Artistic Director Carey Perloff announced today the casting for the West Coast premiere of Amy Herzog's acclaimed comic drama 4000 Miles. Directed by A.C.T. Associate Director Mark Rucker, 4000 Miles tells the story of 21-year-old Leo, who unexpectedly arrives on the doorstep of his feisty 91-year-old grandmother Vera's New York apartment, dazed after a cross-country bike trip.

Sparks fly as Vera's surprising political views collide with Leo's carefree hippie lifestyle. When Leo's old girlfriend shows up and he begins to reveal the mysterious events of his journey, Leo and Vera discover the fragile line between growing up and growing old. Called a "funny, moving, altogether wonderful drama" (The New York Times) and "one of the best, bravest plays of the season" (Time Out New York), 4000 Miles was the recipient of two OBIE Awards, including Best New American Play. 4000 Miles had its 2011 world premiere at New York's Lincoln Center Theater, where it played to sold-out houses and received staggering accolades from critics. 4000 Miles will run January 17–February 10, 2013, at A.C.T.'s Geary Theater (415 Geary Street, San Francisco). Press night is Wednesday, January 23, 2013. Tickets (starting at $20) are on sale now and may be purchased online at act-sf.org or by calling 415.749.2228.    

4000 Miles will feature screen, television, and stage veteran Susan Blommaert (The Good Wife, Boardwalk Empire, Doubt, 4000 Miles at Lincoln Center Theater) in the coveted role of Vera.  She is joined by newcomer Reggie Gowland (4000 Miles at Lincoln Center Theater) as Leo.  The production also features Julia Lawler (4000 Miles at Lincoln Center Theater) as Bec and Camille Mana (world premiere of Jesse Eisenberg's Asuncion, starring Eisenberg and Justin Bertha) as Amanda. 

Says Perloff: "How wonderful to start the new year with something so fresh and new, a beautifully written new play with an entire company new to A.C.T.! We first met Amy Herzog a decade ago when she wrote a play for our Young Conservatory students, and now to see her triumphing in her field is truly thrilling. We can't wait to welcome her back to A.C.T. with this intergenerational story of love and loss."

The creative team for 4000 Miles includes scenic designer Erik Flatmo (Higher and Scapin at A.C.T.), costume designer Alex Jaeger(Maple and Vine and Once in a Lifetime at A.C.T.; Looped at Pasadena Playhouse); lighting designer Alexander V. Nichols (Endgameand Play at A.C.T.; Hugh Jackman Back on Broadway and Wishful Drinking on Broadway), and sound design by Will McCandless(Higher at A.C.T.; Spunk and Blithe Spirit at California Shakespeare Theater). 

A.C.T.'s production of 4000 Miles is made possible by executive producers Barbara and Gerson Bakar; Frannie Fleishhacker; Kathleen Scrutchfield; Doug Tilden and Teresa Keller; producers Bert Steinberg and Lucia Brandon; and associate producers Dr. and Mrs. Richard E. Geist.  A.C.T. would like to acknowledge its 2012–13 company sponsors The Bernard Osher Foundation; Ms. Joan Danforth; Ray and Dagmar Dolby; Frannie Fleishhacker; Priscilla and Keith Geeslin; Marcia and John Goldman; Ambassador James C. Hormel and Michael P. Nguyen; Koret Foundation; Fred M. Levin and Nancy Livingston, The Shenson Foundation; Burt and Deedee McMurtry; Arthur and Toni Rembe Rock; Ms. Kathleen Scutchfield; Mary and Steven Swig; Doug Tilden and Teresa Keller; and Jeff and Laurie Ubben.

A.C.T.'s 2012–13 season also features the world premiere of George F. Walker's audacious dark comedy Dead Metaphor(February 28–March 24), the world premiere music-theater event Stuck Elevator (April 4–28), the Bay Area premiere of The National Theatre of Scotland's internationally acclaimed production of Black Watch (May 9–June 9), and a new production of Tom Stoppard's ravishing masterwork Arcadia (May 16–June 9).

A.C.T. subscribers enjoy incredible savings, unparalleled access, exclusive benefits, and personalized customer service. Subscriptions can be ordered via the A.C.T. subscriptions office by calling 415.749.2250 or online at www.act-sf.org/subscribe. Subscribers save as much as 33 percent off single-ticket prices. Full-time students, educators, and administrators with valid ID save up to 50% off select packages. Senior discounts are available for certain series. A.C.T.'s competitive subscriber benefits include free ticket exchanges up to the day of scheduled tickets, priority seating, ticket insurance, access to convenient prepaid parking one block away from the theater, and discounts for neighborhood restaurants. To order a subscription, visitwww.act-sf.org/subscribe or call 415.749.2250.