{"id":3707,"date":"2012-09-06T15:22:45","date_gmt":"2012-09-06T20:22:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/college.web.unc.edu\/?p=3707"},"modified":"2024-07-02T13:31:28","modified_gmt":"2024-07-02T13:31:28","slug":"playmakersred","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/collegearchive.unc.edu\/?p=3707","title":{"rendered":"Tony-winner \u2018Red\u2019 opens PlayMakers season"},"content":{"rendered":"

PlayMakers Repertory Company, the professional theater in residence at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, kicks off its new main-stage season Sept. 19-Oct. 7 with John Logan\u2019s Tony Award-winning play \u201cRed.\u201d<\/p>\n

PlayMakers\u2019 hit play \u201cOpus\u201d (2009) took audiences behind the music of a world famous string quartet. Similarly, \u201cRed\u201d goes into the studio of Mark Rothko, pioneer of abstract expressionism, and into the mind of an artist wrestling with the eternal struggle between art and commerce. Seen through the eyes of his young, increasingly challenging assistant, Rothko agonizes over a lucrative project painting murals for the then-new Four Seasons Restaurant.<\/p>\n

\u201cRed\u201d was nominated for seven Tony Awards in 2010, winning six including the top award for \u201cBest Play.\u201d It was also honored with the Drama League Award for Distinguished Production of a Play and the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Play, among other accolades.<\/p>\n

Variety reported that \u201cLogan sends American painter Mark Rothko into battle with his demons in this electrifying play of ideas, and the artist\u2019s howls are pure music.\u201d \u00a0The Washington Post described the play as having \u201cspiritual intensity and an almost sexual energy \u2026 [showing] the artist consumed by the physical demands of his work.\u201d<\/p>\n

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(From left to right), Matt Garner as Ken and Stephen Caffrey as Rothko. (photo by Jon Gardiner).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

PlayMakers producing artistic director Joseph Haj said, \u201cThis play is a fantastic look at an artist at work in his studio, and a story that explores the teacher\/student, mentor\/mentee relationship. We\u2019re thrilled to have Vivienne Benesch back with us this year to direct this much admired play.\u201d<\/p>\n

In the role of Rothko, PlayMakers\u2019 production will feature Stephen Caffrey, an accomplished stage actor, who has appeared in theaters across the country, including several times at San Francisco\u2019s American Conservatory Theatre. Caffrey has appeared in many TV series, including \u201cTour of Duty,\u201d as a series regular, \u201cCSI Miami,\u201d \u201cColumbo,\u201d \u201cSeinfeld\u201d and \u201cMurder She Wrote,\u201d among others. His movies include \u201cCinema Verite\u201d for HBO, \u201cLongtime Companion\u201d and the upcoming film \u201cLucky Stiff.\u201d<\/p>\n

Actor-director-producer Benesch will direct the PlayMakers production. She has worked extensively on and Off Broadway, in film and television, and at many of the country\u2019s most eminent theaters. Benesch is co-artistic director of the Chautauqua Theater Company and Conservatory in New York. She has directed many productions for Chautauqua and is a frequent director at The Juilliard School. Benesch directed \u201cIn the Next Room (or the vibrator play)\u201d at PlayMakers last season and is a lecturer this year in UNC\u2019s department of dramatic art.<\/p>\n

All performances of \u201cRed\u201d will be in the Paul Green Theatre at UNC\u2019s Center for Dramatic Art on Country Club Road.<\/p>\n

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(From left to right) Matt Garner as Ken and Stephen Caffrey as Rothko (photo by Jon Gardiner).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Show times will be 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 29, and 2 p.m. Sundays. For a complete schedule, more information and to purchase tickets, call (919) 962-PLAY (7529) or visit www.playmakersrep.org<\/a>. Tickets are $15 to $50.<\/p>\n

In conjunction with \u201cRed,\u201d PlayMakers will host \u201cThe Vision Series-Directors in Conversation,\u201d a behind-the-scenes preview with Vivienne Benesch at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 12. Theatre-goers and others interested in the creative process are invited to the Paul Green Theatre to share coffee and hors d\u2019oeuvres provided by series sponsor Jujube Restaurant, learn about the production and get a behind-the-scenes look at the design and vision for the show.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Vision Series\u201d is free and open to the public. Reservations are encouraged, as space is limited. Call PlayMakers\u2019 box office at (919) 962-7529 to RSVP.<\/p>\n

Other special events during \u201cRed\u201d will include:<\/p>\n