Speakeysie News Desk
ATLANTA, GA– Actor’s Express opens its 34thseason with the Atlanta premiere of Red Speedo by Lucas Hnath. Hnath is best known for his acclaimed plays The Christians and A Doll’s House, Part 2, both recently produced by Actor’s Express to critical and audience acclaim in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Red Speedo is part thriller, part comedy, and part indictment of a scorched-earth modern America in which winning is valued at all costs – even if it means losing.
According tAo Artistic Director Freddie Ashley, “Red Speedo is a rapid-fire, plot twist-filled thrill ride of a play. Like Lucas Hnath’s other work, it is relentlessly entertaining while also being dexterously written and meticulously observed. As an allegory for the current soul of American culture, it is one of Hnath’s most fascinating plays.”
The four-person cast includes Atlanta actors Marlon Burnley, Brian Ashton Smith, Alexandra Ficken and Rob Cleveland.
Red Speedo begins previews August 11 and opens August 14. Performances are Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 2 PM. Tickets start at $20 and may be purchased online at actors-express.com or by calling 404-607-7469.
ABOUT RED SPEEDO
Red Speedo
by Lucas Hnath
Directed by Freddie Ashley
August 11 – September 5, 2021
On the eve of Olympic qualifying trials, a champion swimmer’s future rests in the balance. If he makes the team he will sign a lucrative endorsement deal worth millions. But when performance-enhancing drugs are found in his team’s locker room fridge, he must tread water past the rumors to avoid losing it all. With rapid-fire dialogue that builds to an electrifying, twist-filled climax, Red Speedo will leave you breathless. From the acclaimed author of A Doll’s House Part 2 and The Christians.
PERFORMANCE DATES & TICKETS
Previews: Wednesday-Friday, August 11 – 13, 2021 at 8 PM Opening Night: Saturday, August 14 at 8 PM
Regular Performances: August 14 – September 5, 2021
Wednesday-Saturday at 8 PM
Sunday at 2 PM
Purchase tickets online at actors-express.com or by calling 404-607-7469. Group pricing is available. For info, email tickets@actorsexpress.com.
Student tickets are always $20.
Regular ticket prices range from $20 – $50.
Ticket prices are subject to availability. Order early for best pricing. CAST
Ray Marlon Burnley*
Peter Brian Ashton Smith
Lydia Alexandra Ficken*
Coach Rob Cleveland*
CREATIVE TEAM
Freddie Ashley Director
Emma McVey* Stage Manager
Seamus M. Bourne** Scenic Designer & Production Manager Toni Sterling Lighting Designer
L. Nyrobi Moss Costume Designer
Michaela Fraser Sound Designer
Kate Hoang Asst. Sound Designer
Chad Fenimore Properties Designer & Technical Director
Kristin Storla Fight Choreographer
D. Connor McVey Master Electrician
Sheila Oliver Casting Director
Justin Kalin Casting Associate
*Appearing through an Agreement between this theatre, Actor’s Express, and Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
**Member of United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829 of the IATSE, the union representing scenic, costume, lighting sound, and projection designers in Live Performance.
COVID-19 PROTOCOL
Red Speedo is a reserved seated, low capacity, mask-mandated production. In a collaboration with Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Actor’s Express has implemented a safe protocol for operating during this time. The guidelines set will ensure a healthy working environment for both creatives and theatre staff.
WE ARE GRATEFUL TO OUR SPONSORS
AIDS Healthcare Foundation
Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta Metropolitan Arts Fund
City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs Fulton County, Atlanta, Georgia
Georgia Council for the Arts
Holland IT Consulting
National Endowment for the Arts The Charles Loridans Foundation The Shubert Foundation
Thompson Hine
Turner
Major support is provided by the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs. Major funding is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners. This program is supported in part by the Georgia Council for the Arts through the appropriations of the Georgia General Assembly. GCA also receives support from its partner agency – the National Endowment for the Arts.
ADDITIONAL SEASON 34 SPONSORSHIP SUPPORT INCLUDES
Marcie Anthone
Jan Beaves
Meredith Bell
Stephen Brown
Kevin Dew and Hall Platt Diane Durgin
Arlene Glaser
Terry Hildebrand
Jessica Linden
Jesse Peel
Rob Prudent and Craig Pigg Leslie & Tim Renjilian
Rebecca Leary and Scot Safon Sharon & Dave Schachter Pat & John Valleroy
Clark Weisner
ABOUT ACTOR’S EXPRESS
Mark Williamson
Counter Narrative Project
Ameriprise Financial Ampere Wealth Management
Since its founding in 1988, Actor’s Express has become the preeminent hub for dynamic, provocative and consistently outstanding theatre in Atlanta, presenting work that sparks personal transformations and catalyzes community conversations. We are committed to enacting Anti-Racist and Anti-Bias principles that create a diverse, inclusive, safe and brave space for artists and audiences. Actor’s Express is located on the westside of Atlanta in the King Plow Arts Center at 887 W. Marietta Street, Suite J-107, Atlanta, Georgia 30318.
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