{"id":27968,"date":"2019-01-14T13:23:36","date_gmt":"2019-01-14T18:23:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/college.unc.edu\/?p=27968"},"modified":"2024-07-02T17:10:21","modified_gmt":"2024-07-02T17:10:21","slug":"playmakers-presents-jump","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/collegearchive.unc.edu\/?p=27968","title":{"rendered":"PlayMakers presents rolling world premiere of \u201cJump\u201d"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"April
April Mae Davis and Adam Poole star as Fay and Hopkins, with Shanelle Nicole Leonard as Judy and Trevor Johnson as Dad in “Jump” by Charly Evon Simpson at PlayMakers.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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PlayMakers Repertory Company is the first theater to participate in the National New Play Network rolling world premiere of \u201cJump,\u201d written by emerging playwright Charly Evon Simpson and directed by Whitney White in her PlayMakers debut. Before continuing on to three additional theaters in 2019, “Jump” will run from Jan. 23 to Feb. 10 at the Joan H. Gillings Center for Dramatic Art, 120 Country Club Road.<\/p>\n

\u201cJump\u201d is a heartbreakingly funny new play about family grief and the spiritual journeys of two sisters, their father and a lonely bridge walker. In this whimsical world, lights flicker, things fall from the sky, and bridges real and metaphorical are a place of solace and healing.<\/p>\n

\"Shanelle
Shanelle Nicole Leonard and April Mae Davis star as Judy and Fay in “Jump” by Charly Evon Simpson at PlayMakers.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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\u201cI am so excited to introduce the brilliant, inspirational spirit that is Charly Evon Simpson to the Triangle, fresh off her off-Broadway debut,\u201d said Vivienne Benesch, PlayMakers\u2019 producing artistic director. \u201cThis is one of those plays that, from the start, grabs you by the heart and doesn\u2019t let go. Charly\u2019s work shows us the magic that can happen when family, or even strangers, attempt to build bridges of empathy, hope, and love, instead of building walls that separate and divide us. I\u2019m equally thrilled to bring to PlayMakers the amazing talents of director Whitney White, who just had a runaway Off-Broadway hit herself. This dynamic duo are part of an amazing pipeline of women\u2019s voices in theater today. And with a breathtaking set created by the genius mind of Alexis Distler (\u201cTartuffe,\u201d \u201cThree Sisters\u201d), \u2018Jump\u2019 will be a treat for the eyes, mind, soul and heart.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I first read \u2018Jump\u2019 I was struck by how gracefully and intensely the play handles the spectrum of grief, and Charly\u2019s profound insight on how family ties can be both shaken and strengthened by loss,\u201d said director White. \u201cEach of Simpson’s characters carries their individual grief like a backpack, as I think we all do. Audiences of \u2018Jump\u2019 will, I hope, experience one of the things I so love about theatre: its power to bring people together and in sharing intimate, vulnerable moments, transform us from strangers to fellow travelers. With \u2018Jump\u2019 each of us will be walking together for a moment in time, making our individual load just a bit lighter. We will also glimpse together an issue we all need to be a little more aware of \u2014 mental health and wellbeing. Keep an eye out for Charly Simpson, because she represents so much that is exciting about American theatre today.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJump\u201d features April Mae Davis as Fay (\u201cSherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood,\u201d \u201cTartuffe\u201d), Trevor Johnson as Dad (\u201cLeaving Eden\u201d), Shanelle Nicole Leonard as Judy (\u201cTartuffe,\u201d \u201cSense and Sensibility\u201d), and Adam Poole as Hopkins (\u201cShe Loves Me,\u201d \u201cDot\u201d).<\/strong><\/p>\n

The creative team of \u201cJump\u201d includes: Whitney White (Director), Alexis Distler (Scenic Designer), Tristan Raines (Costume Designer), Amith Chankdrashaker (Lighting Designer), Sinan Refik Zafar (Sound Designer), Mark Perry (Dramaturg), Tia James (Vocal Coach) and Elizabeth Ray (Stage Manager).<\/p>\n

\u201cJump\u201d deals with themes of grief, depression and suicidal ideation. All patrons are encouraged\u00a0 to use their own discretion in determining the appropriateness of the material.<\/p>\n

For information and to purchase tickets, call 919.962.7529 or visit www.playmakersrep.org. <\/a><\/u>Individual ticket prices start at $15; Student tickets start at $10. Group discounts are also available.<\/p>\n

Performance and Special Event Schedule:<\/strong><\/p>\n