KNOW THEATRE IS PROUD TO PRESENT
The National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere of
Know Theatre is a proud participant in this world premiere production of Steve Yockey’s daring new work, PLUTO. Yockey’s powerful script explores tragedy, loss, and the ways in which love shifts our perception. He creates a world that mixes a contemporary setting with mythological elements, balancing painful drama and cathartic humor.
In the wake of a violent tragedy at a local community college, single mother, Elizabeth, struggles to reconnect with her withdrawn son, Bailey, across the breakfast table. Continually interrupted by a talkative three-headed dog, an animated refrigerator, and a radio gone haywire, time is running short for mother and son to deal with the morning’s events. As mysterious forces threaten to break into their kitchen, Bailey and Elizabeth struggle to find an understanding that will allow them to move forward with their lives.
Know Theatre’s producing artistic director, Eric Vosmeier says, “PLUTO promises to be one of my favorite shows. The cast is phenomenal, and we’re thrilled to welcome Jason Bruffy, former artistic director of Know Theatre, back to direct. PLUTO is a powerful and deliberate script. Yockey has created such a unique world that you are unsure what is real and what is otherworldly.”
As part of a National New Play Network rolling world premiere, Know Theatre is one of four theatres across the country collaborating to bring PLUTO to life. PLUTO will be produced by Forum Theatre in Silver Springs, Maryland and by Orlando Shakespeare Theatre in Orlando, Florida in March of 2014 shortly after Know Theatre of Cincinnati’s production closes. Actors Express in Atlanta, Georgia produced the production in November of 2013. The rolling world premiere ensures that a play will live beyond a single production, bringing important new work to multiple regions in one season and supporting playwrights directly. For more information, please visit www.nnpn.org.
Vosmeier adds, “Becoming a member of NNPN is something that Jason and I used to talk about. Now we’re proud to be the only Cincinnati theatre that is an Associate Member and on the path to full membership. NNPN helps playwrights create their best work and then provides them an outlet for that work. They have created a model program that benefits playwrights, theatres, and audiences across the country. It’s an honor to be a part of this community of theatres, and to be able to produce this world-premiere work. Being a part of this network of theatres is another key step for Know Theatre onto the national stage.”
Know Theatre’s award-winning design team will tackle a number of challenges in creating the world for PLUTO. The production features a fully-equipped kitchen, several special effects, unique costume and prop pieces, and a number of scenic elements never before seen on Know Theatre’s stage. Vosmeier says, “This was one of the things that excited me about this script. It demands a design that will challenge our production team and stretch our skills as a group.” Designer Andrew Hungerford adds, “Most of the design work we do at Know tends to fall into one of two categories: either an expressionistic, stylized space, or theatrical realism. This script is exciting and challenging in that it blends both of those styles to create a reality with permeable borders. Steve Yockey’s work is highly theatrical, and requires visually compelling design.”
To aid in creating this production, Know Theatre of Cincinnati has brought back the hugely successful Club of Jacksons community supported production sponsorship. Through the Club of Jacksons, Know Theatre previously raised $22,500 in support of the hit production Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson. This time around we’re raising $10,000 in support of this world premiere production. “We love doing these community powered campaigns. They remind us that we are part of a bigger family of people who appreciate the work that we do and want to help create amazing theatre for the City of Cincinnati. The money raised will go toward supporting all aspects of this production, but namely the stellar cast we have assembled and the intricate designs required to make this show amazing. The last time we went to the community for support of a production, we saw over 300 individual supporters join the Club. So far we’ve reached 77% of our goal of $10,000 and we’re steadily climbing.”
The Club of Jacksons is a unique community powered production sponsorship. For as little as $20 per month, you can join the club and help breathe life into this world premiere production. Joining the Club can be done by calling the theatre at 513-300-5669 [KNOW], in person at the theatre, or online at www.knowtheatre.com/donatenow.html.
Cast:
- Wesley Carman – Bailey
- Torie Wiggins* – Cerberus
- Annie Fitzpatrick* – Elizabeth
- Lauren Hayes – Maxine
- Ken Early* – Death
*Member of Actors’ Equity Association
Production Team:
- Director: Jason Bruffy
- Scenic and Lighting Designer/Incoming Producing Artistic Director: Andrew Hungerford
- Sound Designer: Doug Borntrager
- Costume Designer: Noelle Wedig
About the National New Play Network
The National New Play Network (NNPN) is the country’s alliance of nonprofit theatres that champions the development, production and continued life of new plays. It strives to pioneer, implement and disseminate ideas and programs that revolutionize the way theatres collaborate to support new plays and playwrights. Know Theatre is an associate member of the NNPN.
Calendar Listing:
Production: Pluto by Steve Yockey. Directed by Jason Bruffy. A National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere.
When: January 24-February 22. Runs Thursdays through Saturdays at 8pm. With a special matinee on Sunday, February 9 at 2pm.
Where: Know Theatre of Cincinnati. 1120 Jackson Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202. In historic Over-the-Rhine.
Tickets: $15 in advance, $20 week of the performance beginning Mondays at noon.
To purchase tickets or for more more information, visit: www.knowtheatre.com or call 513.300.3669 (KNOW).
Since 1997, Know Theatre has been dedicated to creating explosive and evocative live entertainment. We value a playful artistic community where artists can collaborate and grow.
Know Theatre’s work is made possible, in part, by the generosity of community contributions to the ArtsWave Campaign.The Ohio Arts Council helps fund Know Theatre with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence, and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. Know Theatre is also supported by The Carol Ann & Ralph V. Haile, Jr./U.S. Bank Foundation, helping to change our communities for the better through collaboration and innovation, and the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, which provides a simple, powerful, and highly personal approach to giving.
Know Theatre is an Associate member of the NNPN.
