Photo Flash: Taproot's BEAMS ARE CREAKING

A riveting true story full of political intrigue, conspiracy, romance and thrills, The Beams are Creaking continues Taproot Theatre 35th Anniversary Season. Set in Germany in 1933, the Nazi party has taken power. In the face of the greatest evil of the 20th century, Dietrich Bonhoeffer battles questions of morality, political allegiance and religious conviction, and must make choices that could change the course of history. This true story will keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Written by Douglas Anderson and directed by Karen Lund, The Beams are Creaking opens on March 25 and runs through April 23, with previews on March 23 and 24.

"Rarely do we hear the stories of Germans in World War II who were trying to stop the Nazi regime from within," said Lund. "There were over 30 attempts made to assassinate Hitler. Lesser known to many of Bonhoeffer's theological fans is that he was actually involved in several of these attempts."

Bonhoeffer was a German Lutheran pastor, but also a member of the Abwehr, the German Military Intelligence during Nazi Germany. Originally forming as a defense organization, the Abwehr was secretly in opposition to the Nazi Party and worked to undermine Hitler's initiatives from the inside. That connection allowed Bonhoeffer to travel abroad and pass information about the resistance to foreign contacts, all under the auspices of conducting business in the interest of Nazi Germany.

"This is a story of a man who gave his life for something he believed in," said Lund. "In the face of the same issues would any of us have had the same courage? It's a thrilling ride-a spy story, a romance, a philosophical debate all at once... and it's true!"

The Beams are Creaking premiered at Case Western Reserve University in October 1978, and won the Marc A. Klein Playwright Award and Wichita State National Playwright Competition that same year.

Taproot Theatre's production features Matt Shimkus as Dietrich Bonhoeffer, along with Don Brady, Gerald Browning, Robert Gallaher, Nathan Jeffrey, Rob Martin, Kim Morris, Simon Pringle and Sarah Ware. Recently moved from Scotland, Pringle makes his U.S. debut with this production. The production team includes scenic and sound designer Mark Lund, costume designer Nanette Acosta and lighting designer Andrew Duff. Rachael Dorman serves as stage manager, Marianna de Fazio as dialect coach, Sam Vance as music director, and Melissa Johnson as dramaturg intern with Sonja Lowe as supervising dramaturg.

Following The Beams are Creaking, Taproot Theatre presents the West Coast premiere of Janece Shaffer's Brownie Points, running May 18 through June 18.

TICKETS: Tickets are available online at www.taproottheatre.org/buy-tickets/ and through Taproot Theatre's box office, in person or by phone at 206.781.9707 . Tickets range from $20-35, depending on the performance. Taproot offers a $3 senior/student discount off regular priced tickets (excludes previews). $10 tickets are available for ages 25 and under. Tickets for the senior matinee are $20. Discounts are available for parties of 8 or more through Group Sales; call 206.781.9708 . Tickets for the pay-what-you-can performance are available day of show at the box office only; contact the box office for details.

Photo Credit: Erik Stuhaug