INVISIBLE THEATRE - PRESS RELEASE Press Contact: Cathy Johnson or Susan Claassen Administration: (520) 884-0672 Box Office: (520) 882-9721 1400 N. First Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719 [email protected] www.invisibletheatre.com FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Invisible Theatre continues its 45th Anniversary Season with the Arizona Premiere of BAKERSFIELD MIST by Stephen Sachs October 13 - 25, 2015 (September 21, 2015, Tucson, Arizona): IT continues its 45th Anniversary Season with the Arizona premiere of BAKERSFIELD MIST directed by Gail Fitzhugh and starring Roberto Guajardo and Susan Kovitz. This recent London hit tells the story of Maude Gutman, an unemployed bartender living in a trailer park, who believes the painting she bought in a thrift store for three bucks is really the “find of the century”, an undiscovered Jackson Pollock worth millions. Is it authentic or not? When Lionel Percy, a renowned art expert from New York, arrives at Maude’s trailer to evaluate the painting, the two embark on a fiery debate over class, truth, and what we personally perceive as valuable. Inspired by true events, this hilarious and thought-provoking new comedy-drama asks vital questions about what makes art and people truly authentic. This production is made possible in part through the generous support of Dr. Robert and Sandy Maxfield “A perfect marriage of emotion and ideas!” - Los Angeles Times “Wonderfully funny! Entertaining…one of the best plays on now in London. Terrific!” -The Telegraph (London) BAKERSFIELD MIST will play from October 13-25, 2015 with the official press opening on Wednesday, October 14, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. The Invisible Theatre is located at 1400 N. First Avenue (at Drachman), Tucson, AZ 85719. The single show ticket price for BAKERSFIELD MIST is $30. Additional discounts are available for groups, seniors, active military and students. Rush tickets are available for purchase at half-price one half hour prior to performance time and are subject to availability. Tickets are available for purchase by calling the Invisible Theatre Box Office at (520) 882-9721 and are also available 24/7 online through OvationTix at www.invisibletheatre.com. The running time is 80 minutes with no intermission. THE INVISIBLE THEATRE The Invisible Theatre (IT) of Tucson, a 501(c)(3) organization, is dedicated to producing quality theatre and arts education experiences for all facets of the community in an intimate setting that showcases local professional talent and guest artists. IT takes its name from the invisible energy that flows between a performer and audience, creating the magic of theatre. Started in 1971 as an arena for local playwrights, the theatre has expanded its programs to include adaptations of classics and recent Off- Broadway plays and musicals, while continuing to encourage new playwrights through both full productions and staged readings. Under the leadership of Managing Artistic Director Susan Claassen, Associate Artistic Director James Blair, and PR Director Cathy Johnson, IT is strongly committed to community service and outreach programs. The company's current season includes a six play Main Stage season, many special events, a world class cabaret series, organizational collaborations, educational tours, seminars that encourage community dialogue and Project Pastime – an educational theatre program for the mentally challenged youth. The Invisible Theatre, the recipient of the first Arizona Theatre Association Award for Best Producing Theatre Company, is a member of the Theatre Communications Group and has long enjoyed both local and national recognition for its strong leadership role in the arts community. Productions take place in an intimate 80-seat converted laundry building. IT celebrates its 45th season with an even greater commitment to professionalism, artistic excellence, accessibility, freedom of expression, diverse programming and creative challenge – thus making the Invisible Theatre a very visible force in Tucson's cultural community. 2 ABOUT THE CAST SUSAN KOVITZ (Maude) made her long overdue IT debut in our 2009 production of LEAVING IOWA and followed it with the world premiere of LOOK MA WE’RE DANCING and MOTHERHOOD OUT LOUD. She was most recently seen in OLIVE AND THE BITTER HERBS and SHEAR MADNESS. Some of Susan’s favorite productions include THE FIFTH OF JULY, LEND ME A TENOR, 6 RMS RVR VU, THE DINNER PARTY and DON’T DRESS FOR DINNER. A former high school drama and art teacher, she has also appeared in nearly 100 interactive murder mysteries where she variously died, killed someone, or brought a murderer to justice. A BFA graduate of Rockford College, Susan also studied at Regents College in London. When not on stage, Susan is on stage - teaching aerobics and fitness classes at Canyon Ranch. ROBERTO GUAJARDO (Lionel) is a member of Actors’ Equity Association and Screen Actors Guild. BAKERSFIELD MIST marks Roberto’s 21st production with IT. He first appeared here in WEEDS in1977. His last appearance on the IT boards was in STELLA AND LOU. He has frequently appeared locally with Arizona Theatre Company, Borderlands Theatre, Beowulf Alley and Arizona Repertory Theatre. Roberto has also worked extensively in theaters throughout the state, including Arizona Jewish Theatre, Actor’s Theatre of Phoenix, Phoenix Theatre and four seasons with the Flagstaff Festival of the Arts. Regional credits include appearances at Seattle Repertory Theatre, San José Repertory Theatre, Missouri Repertory Theatre and The Pasadena Playhouse. He has also worked extensively in film and television. In 2008 Roberto was honored to receive TPAC’s Lifetime Achievement Lumie Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Arts in Pima County. ABOUT THE DIRECTOR GAIL FITZHUGH is celebrating her 34 year affiliation with IT. As an integral and treasured member of the IT artistic family, Gail wears many hats. An accomplished director and sound designer, her IT credits include such favorites as SHIRLEY VALENTINE, CROSSING DELANCEY, LOST IN YONKERS, GRACE & GLORIE, LOVE LETTERS, OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS, MY OLD LADY, COOKIN' WITH GUS, BARBRA'S WEDDING, NATIVES, GUN METAL BLUES, IRON KISSES, 2 ACROSS, LOOK MA WE’RE DANCING, FIRST KISSES, MIRACLE ON SOUTH DIVISION STREET, and STELLA AND LOU. In addition, Gail is an arts educator, Associate Director of IT’s PROJECT PASTIME and a multi-talented musician, singer and composer. ABOUT THE PLAYWRIGHT STEPHEN SACHS is a multi award-winning artistic director, theatre director and playwright. He is the Co-Artistic Director of The Fountain Theatre in Los Angeles, which he co-founded in 1990 and is now celebrating its 24th year as one of Los Angeles’ most acclaimed award-winning intimate theaters. The Fountain has won over 250 awards for excellence. Mr. Sachs is a highly respected stage director in Los Angeles. He has won every major theatre award in Los Angeles, including twice winning the Ovation Award (L.A.’s version of the Tony) for Best Director of a Play. He has twice been nominated for the SDC Zelda Fichandler Award honoring outstanding stage directors in the Western United States. As a playwright, Sachs is the author of eleven plays produced around the United States, Canada, the UK, and internationally translated into other languages. His play BAKERSFIELD MIST won the Elliot Norton Award for Best New Play and was published by Smith & Kraus in Best New Plays 2013, following smash hit runs in Los Angeles, Boston, and London. He has twice been a finalist for the PEN Literary Award for Drama. Sachs wrote the teleplay for Sweet Nothing in my Ear for Hallmark Hall of Fame, based on his award winning play. The TV movie stars Academy Award winner Marlee Matlin and Golden Globe winner Jeff Daniels and aired on CBS. 3 FACTS ABOUT BAKERSFIELD MIST WHO: Written by: Stephen Sachs Director: Gail Fitzhugh Starring: Susan Kovitz (Maude Gutman) and Roberto Guajardo* (Lionel Percy) *A Member of Actors’ Equity Association WHAT: The Arizona Premiere of BAKERSFIELD MIST WHERE: The Invisible Theatre 1400 N. First Avenue (at Drachman), Tucson, AZ 85719 WHEN: Season Ticket Holders will be seated and then general admission. Tuesday, 10/13, 7:30 p.m. (Preview) Wednesday, 10/14, 7:30 p.m. (Opening) Thursday, 10/15, 7:30 p.m. Friday, 10/16, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 10/17, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, 10/18, 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, 10/21, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 10/22, 7:30 p.m. Friday, 10/23, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 10/24, 3:00 p.m. Saturday, 10/24, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, 10/25, 3:00 p.m. RUNNING TIME: 80 minutes with no intermission PRODUCTION STAFF: DIRECTOR: Gail Fitzhugh TECHNICAL DIRECTOR: James Blair SET DESIGN: Susan Claassen and James Blair LIGHT DESIGN: James Blair PROP DESIGN: Erin Lowndes STAGE MANAGER: Erin Lowndes GRAPHIC & PROGRAM DESIGN: Karen Scott & Christine Simpson, Great Scott Design, Inc 4 TO PURCHASE TICKETS OR FOR INFORMATION: To charge tickets by phone, call the Invisible Theatre Box Office at (520) 882-9721. Visit the Box Office in the Invisible Theatre Lobby (1400 N First Avenue at Drachman). To buy tickets online 24/7, go to www.invisibletheatre.com and click on the OvationTix logo. Visa, M/C, Discover and American Express are accepted. WHEELCHAIR ACCESS: The Invisible Theatre is fully accessible to patrons using wheelchairs or with other mobility challenges. Seating areas to accommodate persons using wheelchairs are located in the theatre. If patrons require special seating they should inform the Box Office at (520) 882-9721. ABOUT THIS PRESS RELEASE: This mailing list is for members of the professional media and allied organizations who have requested e-mail press releases from The Invisible Theatre. If you no longer wish to receive e-mail press releases or if there is someone else with your organization that should be added to our list, send a message to [email protected] with your request, or phone (520) 884-0672.