The Underground Theatre
presents
Two Spell-Binding One-Acts
by
MURRAY SCHISGAL
directed by
DANTE SANTACROCE
THREE NIGHTS REMAINING:
Thursday – Saturdays, March 14 – 16, 2013, 8:10 PM
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS
Want to be intrigued, surprised, on the edge of your seat? Come to this mind-bending double-header by the award-winning writer of Luv and Tootsie: In The Typists, you’ll meet Paul (Dave Rich) and Sylvia (Sylvia Galan), two wistful colleagues chattering away in their lonely workplace. A typical office scene? Far from it. You’ll laugh and commiserate with these two lost souls as they slave away side by side, dreaming of life as it might have been — and still might be. In The Tiger, a frightening abduction scene turns almost magically into something very different, as scary Ben (Rick Perera) and subdued Gloria (Olivia Sloan) begin to bond — or do they? It’s a cat-and-mouse game you won’t want to miss!
When these stunning plays premiered off Broadway in 1963, New York Times critic Walter Kerr had this to say: “In the course of an apparently zany improvisation, two events take place: you begin laughing and light dawns….the most impressive news is that we have in Mr. Schisgal a perceptive, advanced, and coherent satirist…. ”
Tickets: Adults – $14 & $16; Youth – $10
Group Discounts: $1/ticket for groups of 10+; $2/ticket for groups of 20+
(Total discount will be refunded to the group after the performance.)
Information: 404-634-5134 Ext. 216
Location: The Underground Theatre is located downstairs at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta (UUCA), 1911 Cliff Valley Way, 30329. The parking lot, however, can NOT be accessed from Cliff Valley Way. It is located at 1597 I-85 NE, which is on the northbound I-85 access road between North Druid Hills and Clairmont Roads. Click here for directions.
About UUCA’s Underground Theatre
Now in its 43rd Season, The Underground is Atlanta’s oldest avocational theatre. Under the direction of Underground founder Dante Santacroce, the theatre presents significant comedies and dramas which enlighten as they entertain. These outstanding plays are performed twice a year, in fall and spring, for two weekends only, Thursdays through Saturdays. The theatre’s cozy underground venue, sporting just under 100 seats, creates an intimate setting for highly accessible performances of quality plays—usually revivals of Broadway’s “golden oldies.” Recent exceptions have been David Auburn’s Proof, winner of the 2001 Pulitzer Prize and the Tony Award for Best Play, Edward Albee’s modern classic A Delicate Balance, and acclaimed contemporary writer A.R. Gurney’s Love Letters. The Typists and The Tiger is The Underground’s 83rd production.
About Underground Director Dante Santacroce
Dante Santacroce is the founder and director of The Underground Theatre. In addition to occasional appearances in Underground plays, he has performed with the Academy Theatre, Theatre Atlanta and DramaTech, where his interest in theatre began. Mr. Santacroce last performed with The Underground in the 2006 hit production of Sidney Kingsley’s Detective Story. When not directing or acting, he is a consultant architect who enjoys sculpting in clay and limestone and sketching in pen and ink.
Underground Theatre History
Just four years after the opening of the UUCA building on Cliff Valley Way, then Senior Minister Eugene Pickett approached Mary Nell and Dante Santacroce about starting a theatre in the church. Dante agreed to direct the first play, the Clifford Odets classic, “Waiting for Lefty.” Because the only available space for the theatre was below ground level, Mary Nell suggested it be called “The Underground Theatre.” Fred Dixon constructed the light board, using four household dimmers at a total cost of under $45. With that magical box, a few par 150 lights, miles of extension cords and some nervous would-be-actors, the first show was born. As the last scene closed on opening night, the thunderous applause assured Dante that the show was a success.
Now, after more than forty years of producing provocative, entertaining plays in the church’s intimate downstairs space, Dante is presenting his 83rd Underground show. Every show has been a challenge. With a little help, Dante himself has selected every script, cast every show, directed nearly every show, built the sets, hung the lights, recorded the sound and sold the tickets, giving all of the net proceeds to UUCA for a 43-year total of well over $100,000.
Applause to Dante and everyone who has helped make The Underground a lasting success: the actors, stage managers, technicians, set and prop donors, salespeople, refreshment servers, spaghetti supper chefs, ministers, and office staff, and especially those who have supported the theatre over so many years.
Auditioning or Volunteering for The Underground Theatre
To audition for Underground plays, please call Director Dante Santacroce: 404-874-7070. Plays are generally performed in November and March, and most rehearsals are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
To work backstage or help with publicity or refreshments, please email maryannechew@att.net .
