A.C.T. to Stage Pulitzer Winner's New Play JOHN This Spring

American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) continues its 2016-17 season with Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Annie Baker's new play, John (February 22-April 23, 2017). A haunting drama that took off-Broadway by storm, John is the latest hit from American theater's hottest new voice-Pulitzer Prize winner Annie Baker (The Flick).

Twentysomethings Jenny and Elias arrive at an old bed-and-breakfast in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania-he wants to tour the historic battlefield, she wants to be left alone. But in the creaking Civil War house, amid the shelves of smiling dolls and the ghostly landlady, every crack between the couple starts to surface. Echoing with tension, humor, and unease like a modern-day Chekhov, playwright Annie Baker creates a 21st-century nerve-jangler that had critics raving.

Press nights for John will be held on Thursday, March 9 and Friday, March 10, 2017. Single tickets (ranging from $20-$105) are available at the A.C.T. Box Office at 415.749.2228 or online at www.act-sf.org. Ticket prices are subject to change without notice.

Says A.C.T. Artistic Director Carey Perloff: "Annie Baker is one of the most mysterious and seductive writers in the American theater today. I have long wanted to produce her work, yet The Geary was never the right space for a writer that creates work of great intimacy. So, it is with great pleasure that we present her newest outing John at The Strand! With her signature wicked wit and complex characterizations, Baker takes us on a journey inside four very complicated and surprising individuals, two generations both wrestling with the big questions of life, stranded in a bed and breakfast so filled with tchotchkes they can hardly move. Annie will be in residence with us during rehearsals, and we so look forward to welcoming her and Ken Rus Schmoll to the Bay Area, with their spectacular cast, to recreate this magical haunting story."

Reprising a role she performed to great acclaim at New York's Signature Theatre, TV legend Georgia Engel (The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Everybody Loves Raymond) makes her A.C.T. debut in the role of "Mertis," the cheerful yet all too present landlady. Joining her are Ann McDonough ("Genevieve"), Joe Paulik ("Elias") and Stacey Yen ("Jenny").

Under the direction of Ken Rus Schmoll, the creative team for John includes Robert Hand (Lighting Designer), Jessie Amoroso (Costume Designer), Marsha Ginsberg (Set Designer), Brendan Aanes (Sound Designer), and Jacquelyn Scott (Props Master).

In connection with John, A.C.T. will offer numerous InterACT events-many of which are presented free of charge-that will give patrons opportunities to get closer to the action while having an entire night out at the theater. Visit act-sf.org/interact to learn more about subscribing to these events throughout the season:

• Bike to the Theater Night:
Wednesday, February 22, 7 p.m.
Providing a greener alternative to theater transportation, A.C.T. and the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition offer free valet bike parking, as well as a special discount on tickets, for these select performances.

• Prologue:
Tuesday, March 7, 5:30 p.m.
Before the curtain goes up, get a sneak peek at the artistic process at this fascinating preshow discussion with the director and artistic staff.

• Theater on the Couch:
Friday, March 10, following the 7:30 p.m. performance
Led by Dr. Mason Turner, chief of psychiatry at San Francisco's Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, this exciting postshow discussion series addresses audience questions and explores the minds, motives, and behavior of the characters.

• Audience Exchanges:
Tuesday, March 14, 7 p.m. | Wednesday, March 29, 1 p.m. | Sunday, April 16, 1 p.m.
After the show, stick around for a lively Q&A session with the actors and artists who create the work onstage.

• OUT with A.C.T.:
Wednesday, March 15, following the 7:30 p.m. performance
The best LGBT night in town! Mingle with the cast and enjoy free drinks and treats at this popular after-party.

• Wente Vineyards Wine Series:
Tuesday, March 28, 7 p.m.
Before the show, raise a glass at this wine-tasting event featuring the Bay Area's hottest local winery.

• PlayTime
Saturday, April 15, doors open at 12:30 p.m.
Before this matinee performance, get hands-on with the artists who make it happen at this interactive theater workshop. A.C.T.'s production of John is made possible by producers Abby and Gene Schnair; and associate producers Drs. Michael and Jane Marmor and Anne and Michelle Shonk.

Next, A.C.T. will present a reimagined version of Robert Lepage's internationally acclaimed play Needles and Opium (March 30-April 23, 2017). Following his remarkable worldwide success with The Suit, which played to standing ovations and sold-out houses at A.C.T. in 2014, legendary director Peter Brook is back with Battlefield (April 26-May 21, 2017). A.C.T. will close out its 2016-17 season with the critically acclaimed musical, A Night with Janis Joplin (June 7-July 2, 2017), in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the legendary Summer of Love in San Francisco.