Blackbird at ACT, West Coast Premiere 4/27 - 5/27
(c) BroadwayWorld.com
April 27, 2007
By Eugene Lovendusky
"A no-holds-barred drama reminiscent of Nabokov's Lolita and the works of Harold Pinter, "Blackbird" takes place over the course of one evening in the back room of an industrial warehouse," states press notes, "Late one evening, as Ray goes about his job in a life he has newly rebuilt for himself, in barges Una, a young woman to whom he has not spoken since the end of their affair more than a dozen years earlier. As Una and Ray bitterly and violently clash over the nature of their earlier relationship, their all-consuming need to understand the events of their past leads to an overwhelming and at times shocking demonstration of how far they will go to find the truth. A compassionate portrait of a very human pair of souls locked in a relationship that blurs the lines between lust, love, and something far more sinister." Due to controversial and sensitive subject matter, ACT's production of "Blackbird" is recommended for audiences 16 and older. The cast of "Blackbird" features Steven Culp as Ray and Jessi Campbell as Una. Best known for portraying Rex Van De Camp in ABC's hit television series "Desperate Housewives," Culp starred as Joe Pitt from the ACT's long-running production of Tony Kushner's "Angels in America". Campbell was recently seen in the world premiere of "Victoria Martin: Math Team Queen" at Manhattan's Women's Project (a production directed by Loretta Greco), and has appeared in recent productions of "Inky," "Eikon," "Twelfth Night," "Marisol," and "Don Juan Comes Back from the War". Playwright David Harrower began developing "Blackbird" after reading of a well-documented, real-life drama. In 2003, former United States marine Toby Studabaker met a 12-year-old girl from Manchester, England, in an internet chat room. After meeting in person, the couple fled to Europe. Though she allegedly never revealed her true age, Studabaker claimed he thought the girl was 19. He was eventually arrested by her side in Germany. In April 2004, Studebaker was sentenced to a four-year prison sentence to be served in the UK. The American premiere production of "Blackbird" is currently playing through April at Manhattan Theatre Club in Manhattan, New York. The production features Jeff Daniels and Allison Pill and is directed by Joe Mantello. The design team for ACT's production of "Blackbird" includes Robert Brill (sets), Russell H. Champa (lights), David F. Draper (costumes), and Jake Rodriguez (sound). Tickets ($13.50-$81.50) can be purchased at ACT Ticket Services, located at 405 Geary Street, 415-749-2228; or via the ACT website, act-sf.org. Groups of 15 or more people are eligible for discounts; please call 415-439-2473. The American Conservatory Theatre is located at 415 Geary Street San Francisco, CA 94108. Performances: Tuesdays - Saturdays at 8PM (except May 8 at 7PM); Wednesdays, Saturdays & Sundays at 2PM (no matinees April 29 or May 2 & 12). Additional performance Sunday, May 6 at 7PM. |
DISCLAIMER: This site is a Steven Culp fan site and is not affiliated with Steven Culp, his family or any of his representatives.
Unless otherwise noted, all captures were made by me from videos from various sources. All shows and photos belong to their respective owners.
NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED!
© 2004-2022 SConTV.com and Steven-Culp.com
Unless otherwise noted, all captures were made by me from videos from various sources. All shows and photos belong to their respective owners.
NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED!
© 2004-2022 SConTV.com and Steven-Culp.com