Press Releases

National Tour of "A Life in the Theatre" Comes to Algonquin Arts Theater on February 7 & 8

EVENT INFORMATION
What:
"A Life in the Theatre" produced by Walnut Street Theatre

Dates & Times:
Saturday, February 7 � 8 p.m.
Sunday, February 8 � 3 p.m.

Location:
Algonquin Arts Theatre, 173 Main Street, Manasquan, N.J.

Tickets:
Starting at Adults: $34, Seniors: $31, Students: $25
Box Office Hours: M-F 12-6 p.m. and Saturday 12-4 p.m.
Call 732-528-9211 or visit algonquinarts.org
All tickets subject to $2 processing fee.

MANASQUAN, N.J. (February 3, 2015) � Walnut Street Theatre's production of "A Life in the Theatre" comes to Algonquin Arts Theatre in Manasquan for two performances this weekend.

Written by Pulitzer Prize-winner David Mamet, show times are 8 p.m. on Saturday, February 7 and 3 p.m. on Sunday, February 8. Tickets start at $34 for adults, $31 for seniors and $25 for students are available by calling 732-528-9211 or online at algonquinarts.org. Tickets are subject to $2 per ticket fees. This is the fourth production of six that are part of the Broadway Series presented by Manasquan Savings Bank.

A funny and touching behind-the-scenes peek at the challenge of actors battling to share both the spotlight and a dressing room, "A Life in the Theatre" follows two actors in a repertory company: Robert, an older experienced performer and John, a newcomer.

John at first welcomes Robert's guidance, but soon overshadows his mentor. From rehearsals to reprisals, from ego trips to acting tips, the play gives a glimpse into the complex relationship that develops as the torch is passed from one generation to the next � a passing that wavers from love and mutual respect to impatience and resentment.

Robert is played by Bill Van Horn, who also directs the play. Algonquin patrons will remember Van Horn from his previous appearances here with Walnut Street Theatre productions of "Proof" and "Driving Miss Daisy."

"'A Life in the Theatre' is a love letter to the lives of actors," Van Horn told theatresensation.com "The show is bittersweet � it an authentic representation of the life of an actor that shows the triumphs, but also the downs. This show presents an actor's reality in a loving way. There is a humanity to this show, and people, no matter what their career will be able to relate to it."

Davy Raphaely plays the show's second and younger star, John. Raphaely returns after appearing three years ago in "Proof" and most recently was on stage in Philadelphia for the Walnut Street Theatre production of "Bad Jews."

The author, Mamet, has written most important plays of our time, including "American Buffalo," "Glengarry Glen Ross," "Oleanna," and "Speed-the-Plow." He has received multiple Oscar nominations for his screenplays and is widely considered one of the most influential American writers of his generation. He was inspired to write this play by his own experiences backstage as an actor.

The show revived on Broadway with a production starring Patrick Stewart and T.R. Knight that opened in 2010. The New Yorker declared, "Mr. Mamet has written�in gentle ridicule; in jokes, broad and tiny; and in comedy, high and low�a love letter to the theatre. It is quite a feat, and he has pulled it off."

Walnut Street Theatre

Founded in 1809, Walnut Street Theatre is the oldest continuously operating theatre in the United States. For more than 200 years, this venerable institution has stood the test of time to become a staple of Philadelphia's, and for that matter, America's cultural community. Over the past two centuries the Walnut's landmark theatre has been graced by some of America's most legendary performers including Ethel Barrymore, Marlon Brando, Sidney Poitier, Helen Hayes and Kathryn Hepburn. Its grand stage has housed a remarkably wide range of entertainment and national events, including circus, opera, vaudeville, lectures, music, dance, motion pictures, live theatre and even the first televised Presidential Debate between Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter.

About Algonquin Arts Theatre

Algonquin Arts Theatre (AAT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1992 with the mission to provide cultural enhancement and arts education to all audiences at the Jersey Shore through high-quality performances and programs in theatre, music, film and dance. The end goal is to foster appreciation of the arts and promote lifelong learning, particularly among underserved audiences including the economically disadvantaged, senior citizens and individuals with disabilities.

Algonquin Arts Theatre's programs are made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts / Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts; by funds from the Paul F. Zito, M.D. Educational Foundation, by The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, by Simon Kaufman, Esq. & Maria Zito-Kaufman, and by Manasquan Savings Bank.