PRESS RELEASE FOR EXTENSION OF "STAGES"

PHILIP SOKOLOFF
Publicity for the theatre
P.O. Box 94387
Pasadena, CA 91109-4387
(626) 683-9205
fax (626) 683-9172
e-mail: showbizphil@sbcglobal.net

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                         July 6, 2006
Press/media contact: Philip Sokoloff, (626) 683-9205
 
HIT SHOW “STAGES” MOVES TO THE MATRIX; REOPENS JULY 20
 
WHAT: “Stages.” A dramedy.
WHO: Written by Abigail Rose Solomon. Directed by Jon Lawrence Rivera.
            Produced by Racquel Lehrman/Theatre Planners. Presented by
            Rosalind Productions.
WHERE: The Matrix Theatre, 7657 Melrose Ave. (between Fairfax and Gardner),
            Los Angeles, CA 90046.
WHEN: Opens Thursday July 20, 2006 at 8 p.m. Thereafter, Fri. & Sat. at 8, Sun. at 3.
            Closes Sunday August 20.
ADMISSION: $20. Discount of $5 for seniors, students, members of SAG, AFTRA,       
            Actors Equity (mention code 007 when reserving).
RESERVATIONS: (323) 960-7782.
ONLINE TICKETING: www.Plays411.com/stages
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            Thanks to warm critical reception and enthusiastic audience response, playwright Abigail Rose Solomon received an invitation from Joseph Stern to move her new play “Stages” to the Matrix Theatre upon conclusion of its engagement at the Hudson Mainstage. The show will re-open at the Matrix on July 20.
            In “Stages,” Rebecca, a lovely 26-year-old Jewish actress living in San Francisco, sees her career take an upswing. She’s landed the role of Rosalind in a production of “As You Like It” and is soon offered a movie role. She’s embarking on an affair with an attractive guy. Michael’s not really the right guy for her, but at least she’s got a guy. She’s got a great female roommate, Sarah, who’s a good friend to her, albeit with troubles of her own.
            Rebecca has so much available to her: friends, lovers, work. Yet, she’s miserable, and her self-absorption isn’t helping. It turns out she still suffers from a tragic loss, the death of a best friend, Priscilla, five years previously. Rebecca is visited multiple times by Priscilla’s ghost, who offers love, support and advice.
            It’s time for Rebecca to grow beyond the rut she’s dug for herself.
            “Stages” is a story that encompasses life, death, friendship, loss, change, growth, love and hope.
            Rebecca is portrayed by playwright Abigail Rose Solomon. The recipient of an MFA from the NYU Graduate Acting Program, she founded Rosalind Productions to produce shows with significant, meaningful roles for women. On stage, she’s worked at Manhattan Theatre Club, Williamstown Theatre Festival, Berkeley Rep, California Shakespeare Festival, Dorset Theatre Festival, and Sacred Fools Theater. She’s guested on a number of TV episodics and has had a recurring role on “Days of Our Lives.” She appeared in the recent movie “Mr. and Mrs. Smith.” Abigail hails from a show business family: her father Peter J. Solomon, is board chairman of Manhattan Theatre Club, and her brother, Joshua Rebell, is an acclaimed playwright (“Gatsby in Hollywood,” “Preying on Puritans”).
            Joining Abigail on stage are Will Beinbrink (“Twelfth Night” at Shakespeare/L.A, “Related” on the WB, “Cellular” on film); Jocelyn Jackson (A.C.T., San Francisco Shakespeare Festival, African American Shakespeare Company, “House,” “Passions”); and Sarah Sido (“Dark Rapture” at Evidence Room, Zoo District’s “The Taming of the Shrew” at the Orpheum,  “The Crucible” at International City Theatre, “Heart of a Dog” at Theatre for a New City , N.Y.).
            Jon Lawrence Rivera directs. He received two 2005 Ovation Award nominations, for directing the musical “Songs For a New World” at the Rubicon, and for  the Los Angeles Premiere of “Dogeaters,” which moves to the Kirk Douglas next January. A few other recent credits of this exceptionally prolific director include “Von Lutz,” “Manner of Trust,” “Into the Woods,” “Barefoot Boy With Shoes On,” much, much more. His productions have garnered over 70 local and international awards.
            Casting: Michael Donovan, C.S.A. Lighting design: Kathi O’Donohue. Sound design: Bob Blackburn. Costume design: Michael Mullen. Set design: J. Kent Inasy. Production stage manager: Sophia Alexander.
            See for yourself at the Matrix what audiences at the Hudson have already learned:
“Stages” is funny, thoughtful and moving, with an irresistible if manifestly imperfect heroine. You’ll root for her.
            “The dialogue is well-crafted…. The work is aided by naturalistic performances and Jon Lawrence Rivera’s sharp direction.”----Back Stage West
            “Excellent acting….It’s a fun show.”----ReviewPlays.com
            “Enjoyable, fast-paced, funny and moving.”----Metro L.A.