Playhouse Creatures Theatre Company is proud to present the sexually charged comedy of manners, "The Libertine," by award-winning playwright Stephen Jeffreys, for a strictly limited engagement beginning Friday, November 5th at The Kirk Theatre at Theatre Row (410 West 42nd Street - between 9th & 10th Avenues). Special priced preview performances are slated for Friday, November 5th (8PM), Saturday, November 6th (3PM & 8PM), and Sunday, November 7th (3PM) and will officially open on Monday, November 8th (7PM). The production will play thru Saturday, November 20th.
Based on the most notorious rake of the Restoration age The Libertine tells the story of the flamboyant and scandalous John Wilmot, Second Earl of Rochester, confidante of Charles II. Wilmot was a complex and fascinating man who reveled in debauchery and the arts. He was an English poet, anti-monarchist Royalist, and an atheist who later converted to Christianity. This provocative and witty play centers on the moment his cynicism is confounded when he falls earnestly in love with an aspiring actress.
Directed by Eric Tucker (who recently directed a critically acclaimed production of Macbeth in Los Angeles), The Libertine will star Joseph W. Rodriguez (Buffalo Hair, Children of the Sun, King Lear) as the Earl of Rochester, and will feature Playhouse Creatures Theatre company members Libby Arnold, Eric Doss, and Patricia Duran. The cast also includes Tom O'Keefe, Ross Hurwitz, Jessica Love, Claire Warden, and Harry Oram. The production will feature original musical composition by Edward Davis, scenic design by Laura Taber Bacon , lighting design by Les Dickert, and costume design by Angela Huff. The production stage manager is Gina Costagliola. CAST BIOS & STAFF INFO
"We are looking forward to going on the journey that is The Libertine. It's exciting, fresh, rarely produced; and the language is a delightful gift to actors and audience alike."" -Joseph W. Rodriguez, Producing Artistic Director.
London born Stephen Jeffreys is a multi award-winning playwright. His other works include The Clink, A Going Concern, A Jovial Crew, andLost Land. He also wrote the screenplay to the film version of The Libertine, starring Johnny Depp.
Playhouse Creatures mission is to pursue and explore themes of love and passion, in all its myriad forms through classical, contemporary, and new works. They are committed to working with a diverse group of artists and creating theatre that is affordable and accessible to everyone.
The Libertine will run Wednesdays thru Saturdays at 8PM and Sundays at 3PM & 7PM. Special added performance on Tuesday, November 16th at 7PM. All tickets are $18, with low-cost preview performances Nov. 5th, 6th, and 7th at $15. Please note, the evening performance on Sunday, November 14th will benefit Nazareth Housing - tickets are $50 and include post-show reception. To purchase tickets call 212-239-6200 or 800-432-7250, visit www.telecharge.com, or visit the Theatre Row Box Office daily between 12pm - 8pm (410 West 42nd Street). Running time: 2:15 including intermission.
