Author Archives: Director Michael Arabian

The Money Fish

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Money Fish


The Money Fi$h
Drama/True Story
Written and performed by John Cox

A young man with a difficult home life joins the military in search of family and discipline.  Eventually, he finds being an Army Airborne Ranger a bittersweet experience, so he turns his focus to the pursuit of money as a commercial fisherman in Dutch Harbor, Alaska.

In the end, he learns the hard way that often what you want in life isn’t what you need.

Featured OCT. 01 – NOV 22, 2015
(extended through December 20, 2015)
The Hudson Theatres
click here for more information

 

L.A. Splash Review

Center Theatre Group / Kirk Douglas Theatre, ADAA Stage Genocide Event – Staging the Unstageable

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Staging-the-Unstageable

Clockwise from top left: Ken Davitian, Karen Kondazian, Leslie Ayvazian, Sam Anderson, Christine Kludjian; Oscar-nominee Shohreh Aghdashloo; panel moderated by Steven Leigh Morris; cast of Neil McPherson’s ‘I Wish to Die Singing.’ (Photo: Craig Schwartz)

Clockwise from top left: Ken Davitian, Karen Kondazian, Leslie Ayvazian, Sam Anderson, Christine Kludjian; Oscar-nominee Shohreh Aghdashloo; panel moderated by Steven Leigh Morris; cast of Neil McPherson’s ‘I Wish to Die Singing.’ (Photo: Craig Schwartz)

 

LOS ANGELES—Center Theatre Group (CTG), one of the largest theatre companies in the nation, in partnership with the Armenian Dramatic Artists Alliance (ADAA), presented “Staging the Unstageable: The Esthetics of Dramatizing Atrocity” – an evening of celebrity play-readings and a panel – at the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City, on Tuesday, April 28, to a sold-out audience in observance of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

The evening was conceived by Pier Carlo Talenti, Director of New Play Development for CTG, and ADAA President, Bianca Bagatourian. The scenes were directed by Ovation-winning director, Michael Arabian.

The evening of remembrance, art, and activism featured excerpts from three plays that dramatize in different ways the Armenian Genocide – historically, artistically and politically — the Ottoman Empire’s attempt to purge its territories of its minority Armenian subjects and other non-Turkish people groups.

The plays included were: “15/15” by Leslie Ayvazian, back at CTG since her play “Nine Armenians” played at the Mark Taper in 1997; “Forgotten Bread” by Sevan Kaloustian Greene; and “I Wish to Die Singing – Voices from the Armenian Genocide,” by Neil McPherson, artistic director of the Finborough Theatre in London, where the play is currently in its world premiere production.

Oscar-nominated actress, Shohreh Agadashloo (“House of Sand and Fog”), began the evening playing the role of Turkish attorney Fethiye Cetin, putting the underlying tension of the historical context into full dramatic view, followed by Sam Anderson (“Different words for the same thing,” KDT), Leslie Ayvazian (“Nine Armenians,” Mark Taper Forum), Ken Davitian (“The Artist”), Michael Goorjian (“David’s Mother,” Emmy Award), Karen Kondazian (“The Rose Tattoo,” LADCC Award), Christine Kludjian and Hrach Titizian (“Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo,” Taper). Music was provided in intervals on the flute by critically-acclaimed flautist Salpy Kerkonian.

The powerful one-hour performance was followed by a panel after the intermission, with notable guests from the Los Angeles theatre scene including Jose Luis Valenzuela, Julie Marie Myatt, Michael Peretzian, and Greg Hittelman from the Washington DC genocide prevention organization, Enough! The group explored tactics to bring tragedies to the stage and asked whether theater can play a role in averting the next genocide. The discussion was moderated by LA Weekly theater critic, Steven Leigh Morris, and ended with a reception in the lobby.

ADAA also administers the $10,000 William Saroyan Human Rights Playwriting Award, for which the next deadline will be on April 24, 2017.










King of the Ants

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King of the Ants

Michael (Tedd Taskey) has been groomed to play football since childhood, when he watched teams practice for hours at the colleges near his home. But now that he’s finally part of the roster at his university, he barely sees any playing time on the field, much to the chagrin of his ambitious dad, an ex-officer in the military. Will the love of a classmate (Tiffany Fraser) give him the strength he needs to defend himself against his old man?

 

King of the Ants
2003
Running Time 98 minutes
King-of-the-Ants-on-NetflixFIND IT ON NETFLIX

 








Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks – Hollywood Reporter

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six-dance-lessonsLeslie Caron Stars in Revival of ‘Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks’;
Says She ‘Never Believed in Retiring’  by Jordan Riefe
“I’m living the life of a nun. It’s theatre, rest, theatre, rest. I’m saving my strength just for the play,” says the 84-year-old performer, who will be hitting the stage at the Laguna Playhouse.  She stole Gene Kelly’s heart in An American in Paris, went toe-to-toe with Fred Astaire inDaddy Long Legs, and got an Oscar nod at the ripe age of 22 for the 1953 movie Lili. And though that was a long time ago, Leslie Caron is not done yet. The 84-year-old performer is dusting off her dance shoes for a revival of Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks at the Laguna Playhouse through June 8.
 
“I’ve never believed in retiring,” she tells The Hollywood Reporter from her home in Laguna, Calif., not far from the theater where she plays Lily, an elderly widow who, after a stifling marriage decides to live a little, hiring Michael (David Engel) to teach her to dance, but really more for the companionship. It’s a two hander requiring a lot of talking and a lot of dancing. “I believe it’s the first time that somebody who’s had real ballet training has done the part,” she observes. “So the dancing part of it is really extended quite a bit.”
 
Playwright David Alfieri’s comedy-drama originally starred Polly Bergen and Mark Hammil when it opened at New York’s Belasco Theatre to lukewarm reviews in 2003. Uta Hagen performed the role a few years before at the Geffen Playhouse in LA, and Rue McClanahan did it in Miami. Gena Rowlands will star in the movie version opposite Cheyenne Jackson, but no doubt none of them went through what Caron did to prepare for the role. First stop was her chiropractor who, after a few adjustments, declared her ready for action. She then committed to an exercise regimen, dancing daily, regular walks and fine-tuning her southern accent by reciting the play over and over.
“I’m living the life of a nun,” she says of her routine. “It’s theatre, rest, theatre, rest. I’m saving my strength just for the play. I don’t even go to restaurants. I have my food brought in.”
 
It may sound like overkill, but she knows what she’s doing. After all, Caron — who was born in the French suburb of Boulogen-sur-Seine (her mom had been a Broadway dancer; her dad was a French chemist) — has been at it for over sixty years. She was only 16 when she became a dancer with the Ballets des Champ Elysees in Paris. One night she was sitting in a shared dressing room when a fellow dancer’s husband told her Gene Kelly had come by looking to audition her for his new movie, An American in Paris. She had never heard of him, nor had she heard of Gershwin, Kelly’s musical partner on the film. “He’s coming to Paris to meet you,” she was told, but Caron didn’t think a Hollywood musical was quite her style.
 
“In the days when it happened I thought everything was quite natural,” she says dreamily. “You know how very young people think, well I deserve it. I was very, very, very lucky. But no, I did not realize it then. I realized it later.”
 
She found Kelly to be a taskmaster but certainly no more so than dance masters like Rudolf Nureyev and choreographer Roland Petit. For Caron, the hardest part was dancing on cement and not wood, and unlearning much of her classical style in order to dance jazz. After the Oscar nod for Lili, she was invited by George Cukor to be in Les Girls, but the role of the seductress (eventually played by Mitzi Gaynor) wasn’t something the pixie-like Caron felt suited her and so she went off to dance with Fred Astaire in Daddy Long Legs instead, infuriating Cukor. But she made it up to him by stepping into the role of Gigi for the 1958 movie that won the Oscar for Best Picture.
 
Career-wise, the ’50s was her best decade with the ’60s bringing forgettable movies like Father Goosewith Cary Grant and Promise Her Anything, on which she had an affair with co-star Warren Beatty, divorcing theatre director Peter Hall after nine years of marriage.
“I introduced him to Jean Renoir,” she says of Beatty. “He had a huge admiration for Renoir and he tried to redo one of Renoir’s films and Renoir wouldn’t, The Lower Depths by Gorky. Renoir had already done it with a great actor (Jean Gabin) and didn’t want to do it again.”
A few years ago she called Beatty looking for work but he told her he would never direct again, and yet he’s currently in production on his long-gestating Howard Hughes movie.
 
“When you get past aging, people automatically rub you off the list,” she sighs, though she couldn’t be happier doing Six Dance Lessons and hopes other opportunities will follow. “Now that I’ve taken the test, I’d like to continue.”







RED

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RED
The San Diego REPertory Theater presents Six time Tony Award Winning production

Picasso284_Herbert_Siguenza_5x7_300dpi_-_photo_credit_Daren_Scott_1_t658RED

directed by Michael Arabian

SAN DIEGO – Feb. 28, 2014 – San Diego REPertory Theatre (San Diego REP) presents “Red” by John Logan as the sixth production of the company’s 38th season directed by Michael Arabian. Previews for this six-time Tony Award winning production begin March 29, 2014. Opening night is Friday, April 4, 2014 and runs through Sunday, April 27, 2014 on the Lyceum Stage. The story is set in 1958 at a critical point in the career of the abstract impressionist painter, when Rothko has been challenged to create a definitive work of art for the exclusive Four Seasons restaurant. But he struggles with the threatening presence of a neophyte assistant, who represents a voice of a new generation of artists that question Rothko’s theories and label him a sell-out. Surrounded by massive black and red canvases that pulsate with color, the result is a battle between student and master in search of the highest art possible. This larger-than-life portrait of an angry and brilliant artistic mind is a fearless piece of work that dares to explain the mysteries of creation. “We have heard it said many times that going to the theatre can sometimes have the power of going to church or temple,” says Sam Woodhouse, co-founder and artistic director, San Diego REPertory Theatre. “This play feels like one is participating in a non-institutional spiritual séance. Fascinatingly that the play begins and ends with the same onstage image: Rothko standing staring out into the audience at a painting, trying to hear what it says to him. A painting only he can see because it is living just over our heads in the audience.” “Red” was written by John Logan who wrote the Academy Award-nominated screenplays for “The Gladiator” and “The Aviator.” He won a Golden Globe for his film version with Tim Burton of the musical “Sweeney Todd.” He also co-wrote the recently acclaimed James Bond film “Skyfall” and is slated to write the next two Bond films. About John Logan, playwright, “Red” John Logan received the Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critic Circle and Drama League awards for his play “Red.” This play premiered at the Donmar Warehouse in London and at the Golden Theatre on Broadway. He is the author of more than a dozen other plays including “Never the Sinner” and “Hauptmann.” His adaptation of Ibsen’s “The Master Builder” premiered on the West End in 2003. As a screenwriter, Logan had three movies released in 2011: “Hugo,” “Coriolanus” and “Rango.” Previous film work includes “Sweeney Todd” (Golden Globe award); “The Aviator” (Oscar, Golden Globe, BAFTA and WGA nominations); “Gladiator” (Oscar, Golden Globe, BAFTA and WGA nominations); “The Last Samurai,” “Any Given Sunday” and “RKO 281” (WGA award, Emmy nomination).

CLICK HERE FOR REVIEWS

SAN DIEGO – Feb. 28, 2014 – San Diego REPertory Theatre (San Diego REP) presents “Red” by John Logan as the sixth production of the company’s 38th season directed by Michael Arabian. Previews for this six-time Tony Award winning production begin March 29, 2014. Opening night is Friday, April 4, 2014 and runs through Sunday, April 27, 2014 on the Lyceum Stage.
The story is set in 1958 at a critical point in the career of the abstract impressionist painter, when Rothko has been challenged to create a definitive work of art for the exclusive Four Seasons restaurant. But he struggles with the threatening presence of a neophyte assistant, who represents a voice of a new generation of artists that question Rothko’s theories and label him a sell-out. Surrounded by massive black and red canvases that pulsate with color, the result is a battle between student and master in search of the highest art possible. This larger-than-life portrait of an angry and brilliant artistic mind is a fearless piece of work that dares to explain the mysteries of creation.
“We have heard it said many times that going to the theatre can sometimes have the power of going to church or temple,” says Sam Woodhouse, co-founder and artistic director, San Diego REPertory Theatre. “This play feels like one is participating in a non-institutional spiritual séance. Fascinatingly that the play begins and ends with the same onstage image: Rothko standing staring out into the audience at a painting, trying to hear what it says to him. A painting only he can see because it is living just over our heads in the audience.”
“Red” was written by John Logan who wrote the Academy Award-nominated screenplays for “The Gladiator” and “The Aviator.” He won a Golden Globe for his film version with Tim Burton of the musical “Sweeney Todd.” He also co-wrote the recently acclaimed James Bond film “Skyfall” and is slated to write the next two Bond films.
About John Logan, playwright, “Red”
John Logan received the Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critic Circle and Drama League awards for his play “Red.” This play premiered at the Donmar Warehouse in London and at the Golden Theatre on Broadway. He is the author of more than a dozen other plays including “Never the Sinner” and “Hauptmann.” His adaptation of Ibsen’s “The Master Builder” premiered on the West End in 2003. As a screenwriter, Logan had three movies released in 2011: “Hugo,” “Coriolanus” and “Rango.” Previous film work includes “Sweeney Todd” (Golden Globe award); “The Aviator” (Oscar, Golden Globe, BAFTA and WGA nominations); “Gladiator” (Oscar, Golden Globe, BAFTA and WGA nominations); “The Last Samurai,” “Any Given Sunday” and “RKO 281” (WGA award, Emmy nomination).
About Michael Arabian, director, “Red”
Michael Arabian is pleased to be making his directing debut at the San Diego REP. In January 2014, he directed “God Of Carnage” at La Mirada Theatre For The Performing Arts for McCoyRigby Entertainment. In 2012, he directed “Waiting for Godot” at the Mark Taper Forum, which won five Ovation Awards out of 10 nominations including best production; five LA Drama Critics Circle Awards including best production and direction; and the Los Angeles Times top 10 list for New York and Los Angeles. Also, at the Taper he directed Beckett’s “Krapp’s Last Tape,” Albee’s “The Sandbox,” Pinter’s “A Slight Ache,” and workshops of new works. Arabian has directed and produced numerous world, west coast, Los Angeles, and New York premieres. His site-specific company, Theatre InSite, formed a partnership with CBS (Radford) Studio first for the Los Angeles theatre, to produce live TV pilots (“Third Rock From The Sun”), inventive, large-scale productions that include an updated “Romeo & Juliet” where audiences followed scenes and car chases through the backlot’s suburban streets, and “The Trojan Women” starring Mariette Hartley, set during the Gulf War and staged in 400,000 gallons of water at the old Gilligan’s Island Lagoon with an amphibious humvee from the Marine Corps. His productions have garnered over 50 awards. Up next, Michael is directing “Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks” starring Leslie Caron at the Laguna Playhouse in May 2014.
Meet the Cast
John Vickery (Rothko) has worked in local theatres around San Diego since the 1980’s. His theatre credits include playing Romeo, MacBeth, and Trigorin – among others at the La Jolla Playhouse, and as Brutus in “Julius Caesar” at the Old Globe. For the last five years, John has performed at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival in Canada, most notably as the title role in “Titus Andronicus.” Recent Los Angeles appearances include working with David Hare in “Stuff Happens” and Robert Wilson in “The Black Rider.” His Broadway credits include originating the role of Scar in “The Lion King” (also at the Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles); “The Real Thing;” “The Sisters Rosensweig;” “MacBeth” and others. Vickery’s film and television credits include: “Murder by Numbers,” “Big Business”, “Dr. Giggles,” “Patriot Games,” “Rapid Fire,” “Modern Family,” “NCIS,” “Without a Trace,” “Frasier,” “NYPD Blue,” all of “Star Trek,” and many more.
Jason Maddy (Ken) is returning to the REP, where he previously performed in “Clybourne Park.” Other San Diego theatre credits include roles with The Old Globe Theatre, Cygnet Theatre, North Coast Repertory Theatre, Moonlight Stage Productions, Ion Theatre Company, Welk Resort Theatre, San Diego Musical Theater, Premiere Productions and Intrepid Theatre Company. Maddy’s regional credits include The Utah Shakespearean Festival, Illinois Shakespeare Festival and Kingsmen Shakespeare Festival. He holds an MFA from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and works with many local schools and theatre companies as a teaching artist, instructor, director, fight choreographer and avid promoter of the arts in schools.
About San Diego REPertory Theatre
San Diego REPertory Theatre (San Diego REP) produces intimate, exotic, provocative theatre. We promote a more inclusive community through vivid works that nourish progressive political and social values and celebrate the multiple voices of our region. Founded in 1976, San Diego REPertory Theatre is downtown San Diego’s resident theatre, promoting a more inclusive community through work that nourishes progressive political and social values. The company produces and hosts over 300 events and performances year-round on its three stages at the Lyceum Theatre. Since moving to the Lyceum, the REP has produced 45 main stage productions by Latino playwrights, and more than 40 world premieres. The company has received more than 200 awards for artistic excellence from the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle, Patté Theatre Awards, NAACP, Backstage West, Dramalogue, and StageSceneLA. In 2005, the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle presented the REP with the Craig Noel Award “For 30 Years of Artistic Dedication to Downtown and Diversity.” San Diego REPertory Theatre feeds the curious soul. To learn more about San Diego REPertory Theatre, to purchase tickets, or make a donation, visit www.sdrep.org. Join us on Facebook  and follow us on Twitter.
Calendar Listing for 
“Red”
By John Logan
Directed by Michael Arabian
Dates: March 29 to April 27, 2014 
(Opening: Friday, April 4, 2014)
Performances are Tuesdays at 7 p.m., Wednesdays at 7 p.m., Thursdays at 8 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., and Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Theatre: The Lyceum Stage
San Diego REPertory Theatre
79 Horton Plaza
San Diego, Calif. 92101-6144
Prices: About $31 to $47 / Students $18
Discounts for groups, seniors and military available.
For group sales, call Kristen Schweizer at (619) 231-3586 ext. 617
San Diego REP Box Office (619) 544-1000.
Tickets available for purchase online at www.sdrep.org.
Four hours free parking in the Horton Plaza Garage with validation at the theatre.
Official hashtag is #RedSDRep

– See more at: http://www.scatenadaniels.com/san-diego-repetory-presents-the-six-time-tony-award-winning-production-of-red/#sthash.9JgsbVGc.dpu

SAN DIEGO – Feb. 28, 2014 – San Diego REPertory Theatre (San Diego REP) presents “Red” by John Logan as the sixth production of the company’s 38th season directed by Michael Arabian. Previews for this six-time Tony Award winning production begin March 29, 2014. Opening night is Friday, April 4, 2014 and runs through Sunday, April 27, 2014 on the Lyceum Stage.
The story is set in 1958 at a critical point in the career of the abstract impressionist painter, when Rothko has been challenged to create a definitive work of art for the exclusive Four Seasons restaurant. But he struggles with the threatening presence of a neophyte assistant, who represents a voice of a new generation of artists that question Rothko’s theories and label him a sell-out. Surrounded by massive black and red canvases that pulsate with color, the result is a battle between student and master in search of the highest art possible. This larger-than-life portrait of an angry and brilliant artistic mind is a fearless piece of work that dares to explain the mysteries of creation.
“We have heard it said many times that going to the theatre can sometimes have the power of going to church or temple,” says Sam Woodhouse, co-founder and artistic director, San Diego REPertory Theatre. “This play feels like one is participating in a non-institutional spiritual séance. Fascinatingly that the play begins and ends with the same onstage image: Rothko standing staring out into the audience at a painting, trying to hear what it says to him. A painting only he can see because it is living just over our heads in the audience.”
“Red” was written by John Logan who wrote the Academy Award-nominated screenplays for “The Gladiator” and “The Aviator.” He won a Golden Globe for his film version with Tim Burton of the musical “Sweeney Todd.” He also co-wrote the recently acclaimed James Bond film “Skyfall” and is slated to write the next two Bond films.
About John Logan, playwright, “Red”
John Logan received the Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critic Circle and Drama League awards for his play “Red.” This play premiered at the Donmar Warehouse in London and at the Golden Theatre on Broadway. He is the author of more than a dozen other plays including “Never the Sinner” and “Hauptmann.” His adaptation of Ibsen’s “The Master Builder” premiered on the West End in 2003. As a screenwriter, Logan had three movies released in 2011: “Hugo,” “Coriolanus” and “Rango.” Previous film work includes “Sweeney Todd” (Golden Globe award); “The Aviator” (Oscar, Golden Globe, BAFTA and WGA nominations); “Gladiator” (Oscar, Golden Globe, BAFTA and WGA nominations); “The Last Samurai,” “Any Given Sunday” and “RKO 281” (WGA award, Emmy nomination).
About Michael Arabian, director, “Red”
Michael Arabian is pleased to be making his directing debut at the San Diego REP. In January 2014, he directed “God Of Carnage” at La Mirada Theatre For The Performing Arts for McCoyRigby Entertainment. In 2012, he directed “Waiting for Godot” at the Mark Taper Forum, which won five Ovation Awards out of 10 nominations including best production; five LA Drama Critics Circle Awards including best production and direction; and the Los Angeles Times top 10 list for New York and Los Angeles. Also, at the Taper he directed Beckett’s “Krapp’s Last Tape,” Albee’s “The Sandbox,” Pinter’s “A Slight Ache,” and workshops of new works. Arabian has directed and produced numerous world, west coast, Los Angeles, and New York premieres. His site-specific company, Theatre InSite, formed a partnership with CBS (Radford) Studio first for the Los Angeles theatre, to produce live TV pilots (“Third Rock From The Sun”), inventive, large-scale productions that include an updated “Romeo & Juliet” where audiences followed scenes and car chases through the backlot’s suburban streets, and “The Trojan Women” starring Mariette Hartley, set during the Gulf War and staged in 400,000 gallons of water at the old Gilligan’s Island Lagoon with an amphibious humvee from the Marine Corps. His productions have garnered over 50 awards. Up next, Michael is directing “Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks” starring Leslie Caron at the Laguna Playhouse in May 2014.
Meet the Cast
John Vickery (Rothko) has worked in local theatres around San Diego since the 1980’s. His theatre credits include playing Romeo, MacBeth, and Trigorin – among others at the La Jolla Playhouse, and as Brutus in “Julius Caesar” at the Old Globe. For the last five years, John has performed at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival in Canada, most notably as the title role in “Titus Andronicus.” Recent Los Angeles appearances include working with David Hare in “Stuff Happens” and Robert Wilson in “The Black Rider.” His Broadway credits include originating the role of Scar in “The Lion King” (also at the Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles); “The Real Thing;” “The Sisters Rosensweig;” “MacBeth” and others. Vickery’s film and television credits include: “Murder by Numbers,” “Big Business”, “Dr. Giggles,” “Patriot Games,” “Rapid Fire,” “Modern Family,” “NCIS,” “Without a Trace,” “Frasier,” “NYPD Blue,” all of “Star Trek,” and many more.
Jason Maddy (Ken) is returning to the REP, where he previously performed in “Clybourne Park.” Other San Diego theatre credits include roles with The Old Globe Theatre, Cygnet Theatre, North Coast Repertory Theatre, Moonlight Stage Productions, Ion Theatre Company, Welk Resort Theatre, San Diego Musical Theater, Premiere Productions and Intrepid Theatre Company. Maddy’s regional credits include The Utah Shakespearean Festival, Illinois Shakespeare Festival and Kingsmen Shakespeare Festival. He holds an MFA from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and works with many local schools and theatre companies as a teaching artist, instructor, director, fight choreographer and avid promoter of the arts in schools.
About San Diego REPertory Theatre
San Diego REPertory Theatre (San Diego REP) produces intimate, exotic, provocative theatre. We promote a more inclusive community through vivid works that nourish progressive political and social values and celebrate the multiple voices of our region. Founded in 1976, San Diego REPertory Theatre is downtown San Diego’s resident theatre, promoting a more inclusive community through work that nourishes progressive political and social values. The company produces and hosts over 300 events and performances year-round on its three stages at the Lyceum Theatre. Since moving to the Lyceum, the REP has produced 45 main stage productions by Latino playwrights, and more than 40 world premieres. The company has received more than 200 awards for artistic excellence from the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle, Patté Theatre Awards, NAACP, Backstage West, Dramalogue, and StageSceneLA. In 2005, the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle presented the REP with the Craig Noel Award “For 30 Years of Artistic Dedication to Downtown and Diversity.” San Diego REPertory Theatre feeds the curious soul. To learn more about San Diego REPertory Theatre, to purchase tickets, or make a donation, visit www.sdrep.org. Join us on Facebook  and follow us on Twitter.
Calendar Listing for 
“Red”
By John Logan
Directed by Michael Arabian
Dates: March 29 to April 27, 2014 
(Opening: Friday, April 4, 2014)
Performances are Tuesdays at 7 p.m., Wednesdays at 7 p.m., Thursdays at 8 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., and Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Theatre: The Lyceum Stage
San Diego REPertory Theatre
79 Horton Plaza
San Diego, Calif. 92101-6144
Prices: About $31 to $47 / Students $18
Discounts for groups, seniors and military available.
For group sales, call Kristen Schweizer at (619) 231-3586 ext. 617
San Diego REP Box Office (619) 544-1000.
Tickets available for purchase online at www.sdrep.org.
Four hours free parking in the Horton Plaza Garage with validation at the theatre.
Official hashtag is #RedSDRep

– See more at: http://www.scatenadaniels.com/san-diego-repetory-presents-the-six-time-tony-award-winning-production-of-red/#sthash.9JgsbVGc.dpuf

SAN DIEGO – Feb. 28, 2014 – San Diego REPertory Theatre (San Diego REP) presents “Red” by John Logan as the sixth production of the company’s 38th season directed by Michael Arabian. Previews for this six-time Tony Award winning production begin March 29, 2014. Opening night is Friday, April 4, 2014 and runs through Sunday, April 27, 2014 on the Lyceum Stage.
The story is set in 1958 at a critical point in the career of the abstract impressionist painter, when Rothko has been challenged to create a definitive work of art for the exclusive Four Seasons restaurant. But he struggles with the threatening presence of a neophyte assistant, who represents a voice of a new generation of artists that question Rothko’s theories and label him a sell-out. Surrounded by massive black and red canvases that pulsate with color, the result is a battle between student and master in search of the highest art possible. This larger-than-life portrait of an angry and brilliant artistic mind is a fearless piece of work that dares to explain the mysteries of creation.
“We have heard it said many times that going to the theatre can sometimes have the power of going to church or temple,” says Sam Woodhouse, co-founder and artistic director, San Diego REPertory Theatre. “This play feels like one is participating in a non-institutional spiritual séance. Fascinatingly that the play begins and ends with the same onstage image: Rothko standing staring out into the audience at a painting, trying to hear what it says to him. A painting only he can see because it is living just over our heads in the audience.”
“Red” was written by John Logan who wrote the Academy Award-nominated screenplays for “The Gladiator” and “The Aviator.” He won a Golden Globe for his film version with Tim Burton of the musical “Sweeney Todd.” He also co-wrote the recently acclaimed James Bond film “Skyfall” and is slated to write the next two Bond films.
About John Logan, playwright, “Red”
John Logan received the Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critic Circle and Drama League awards for his play “Red.” This play premiered at the Donmar Warehouse in London and at the Golden Theatre on Broadway. He is the author of more than a dozen other plays including “Never the Sinner” and “Hauptmann.” His adaptation of Ibsen’s “The Master Builder” premiered on the West End in 2003. As a screenwriter, Logan had three movies released in 2011: “Hugo,” “Coriolanus” and “Rango.” Previous film work includes “Sweeney Todd” (Golden Globe award); “The Aviator” (Oscar, Golden Globe, BAFTA and WGA nominations); “Gladiator” (Oscar, Golden Globe, BAFTA and WGA nominations); “The Last Samurai,” “Any Given Sunday” and “RKO 281” (WGA award, Emmy nomination).
About Michael Arabian, director, “Red”
Michael Arabian is pleased to be making his directing debut at the San Diego REP. In January 2014, he directed “God Of Carnage” at La Mirada Theatre For The Performing Arts for McCoyRigby Entertainment. In 2012, he directed “Waiting for Godot” at the Mark Taper Forum, which won five Ovation Awards out of 10 nominations including best production; five LA Drama Critics Circle Awards including best production and direction; and the Los Angeles Times top 10 list for New York and Los Angeles. Also, at the Taper he directed Beckett’s “Krapp’s Last Tape,” Albee’s “The Sandbox,” Pinter’s “A Slight Ache,” and workshops of new works. Arabian has directed and produced numerous world, west coast, Los Angeles, and New York premieres. His site-specific company, Theatre InSite, formed a partnership with CBS (Radford) Studio first for the Los Angeles theatre, to produce live TV pilots (“Third Rock From The Sun”), inventive, large-scale productions that include an updated “Romeo & Juliet” where audiences followed scenes and car chases through the backlot’s suburban streets, and “The Trojan Women” starring Mariette Hartley, set during the Gulf War and staged in 400,000 gallons of water at the old Gilligan’s Island Lagoon with an amphibious humvee from the Marine Corps. His productions have garnered over 50 awards. Up next, Michael is directing “Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks” starring Leslie Caron at the Laguna Playhouse in May 2014.
Meet the Cast
John Vickery (Rothko) has worked in local theatres around San Diego since the 1980’s. His theatre credits include playing Romeo, MacBeth, and Trigorin – among others at the La Jolla Playhouse, and as Brutus in “Julius Caesar” at the Old Globe. For the last five years, John has performed at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival in Canada, most notably as the title role in “Titus Andronicus.” Recent Los Angeles appearances include working with David Hare in “Stuff Happens” and Robert Wilson in “The Black Rider.” His Broadway credits include originating the role of Scar in “The Lion King” (also at the Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles); “The Real Thing;” “The Sisters Rosensweig;” “MacBeth” and others. Vickery’s film and television credits include: “Murder by Numbers,” “Big Business”, “Dr. Giggles,” “Patriot Games,” “Rapid Fire,” “Modern Family,” “NCIS,” “Without a Trace,” “Frasier,” “NYPD Blue,” all of “Star Trek,” and many more.
Jason Maddy (Ken) is returning to the REP, where he previously performed in “Clybourne Park.” Other San Diego theatre credits include roles with The Old Globe Theatre, Cygnet Theatre, North Coast Repertory Theatre, Moonlight Stage Productions, Ion Theatre Company, Welk Resort Theatre, San Diego Musical Theater, Premiere Productions and Intrepid Theatre Company. Maddy’s regional credits include The Utah Shakespearean Festival, Illinois Shakespeare Festival and Kingsmen Shakespeare Festival. He holds an MFA from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and works with many local schools and theatre companies as a teaching artist, instructor, director, fight choreographer and avid promoter of the arts in schools.
About San Diego REPertory Theatre
San Diego REPertory Theatre (San Diego REP) produces intimate, exotic, provocative theatre. We promote a more inclusive community through vivid works that nourish progressive political and social values and celebrate the multiple voices of our region. Founded in 1976, San Diego REPertory Theatre is downtown San Diego’s resident theatre, promoting a more inclusive community through work that nourishes progressive political and social values. The company produces and hosts over 300 events and performances year-round on its three stages at the Lyceum Theatre. Since moving to the Lyceum, the REP has produced 45 main stage productions by Latino playwrights, and more than 40 world premieres. The company has received more than 200 awards for artistic excellence from the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle, Patté Theatre Awards, NAACP, Backstage West, Dramalogue, and StageSceneLA. In 2005, the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle presented the REP with the Craig Noel Award “For 30 Years of Artistic Dedication to Downtown and Diversity.” San Diego REPertory Theatre feeds the curious soul. To learn more about San Diego REPertory Theatre, to purchase tickets, or make a donation, visit www.sdrep.org. Join us on Facebook  and follow us on Twitter.
Calendar Listing for 
“Red”
By John Logan
Directed by Michael Arabian
Dates: March 29 to April 27, 2014 
(Opening: Friday, April 4, 2014)
Performances are Tuesdays at 7 p.m., Wednesdays at 7 p.m., Thursdays at 8 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., and Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Theatre: The Lyceum Stage
San Diego REPertory Theatre
79 Horton Plaza
San Diego, Calif. 92101-6144
Prices: About $31 to $47 / Students $18
Discounts for groups, seniors and military available.
For group sales, call Kristen Schweizer at (619) 231-3586 ext. 617
San Diego REP Box Office (619) 544-1000.
Tickets available for purchase online at www.sdrep.org.
Four hours free parking in the Horton Plaza Garage with validation at the theatre.
Official hashtag is #RedSDRep

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