La Jolla Presents Invite-Only Reading Of LETTERS TO BARACK

La Jolla Playhouse extends its warmest welcome to Michael Benjamin Washington, who appeared in Playhouse productions of The Wiz and Memphis.In his one-man show, Washington portrays five different characters as they explore the new America with a newly-elected president. An invite-only reading of Letters to Barack: A New American Play is taking place on Monday, February 9, 2009 at 7:30 pm in the Seuss 1 rehearsal room at La Jolla Playhouse.

On the eve of President Barack Obama's historic inauguration, Mosaic Tatum III, a young African-American scholar, finds a houseful of virtual strangers when he returns to his childhood home in Harlem after a long stay in "enlightened" Europe. In a series of letters seeking guidance from his new presidential hero, Mosaic contemplates the issues of loyalty to family, duty to community, the "new image" of Black men and the "change blowing in the wind" that has prompted his family to begin preparations for a new America. Written by Michael Benjamin Washington, this solo performance marks his second play for the American theatre.

Michael Benjamin Washington was last seen as Gator in the La Jolla Playhouse production of Memphis. He has also graced the Playhouse stage in his role as The Tinman in Des McAnuff's re-imagining of The Wiz. His Broadway credits include: Jacob, the maid, in the 2005 Tony Award-winning revival of La Cage Aux Folles. He originated the role of Eddie in the smash hit, Mamma Mia! Off Broadway: Stephen Sondheim's Saturday Night (Nonesuch Records). Other NY: Roundabout, Second Stage, The Public, The Vineyard, Culture Project. Film/TV: Gnome (Moxie Pictures/Glamour Reel Moments); Hope and Faith (ABC); The Jury (FOX); Walker, Texas Ranger (CBS), among others. Regional: The Kennedy Center, BarringtonStage, Dallas Theatre Center, Bass Concert Hall. Honors: Presidential Scholar in the Arts. Member: Broadway Inspirational Voices. Training: New York University-Tisch School (B.F.A.).

About La Jolla Playhouse: The nationally acclaimed, Tony Award-winning La Jolla Playhouse is known for its tradition of creating the most exciting and adventurous new work in regional theatre. The Playhouse was founded in 1947 by Gregory Peck, Dorothy McGuire and Mel Ferrer, and is considered one of the most well- respected not-for-profit theatres in the country. Numerous Playhouse productions have moved to Broadway, including The Farnsworth Invention, Big River, The Who's Tommy, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, A Walk in the Woods, Dracula, Billy Crystal's 700 Sundays, the Pulitzer Prize-winning I Am My Own Wife, Jersey Boys and 33 Variations.

Financial support provided by the City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture.