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DANNY & THE DEEP BLUE SEA
Extended to October 6, 2007
- Pulitzer Prize, Oscar and Tony Award-Winning Playwright John Patrick Shanley gives his stamp of approval for the long-awaited revival of his stage play, after years of absence from the L.A. Stage
- Entering its 5th Month of Sold Out performances.
- Must Close October 6, 2007.
Extended to October 6, 2007
(Los Angeles, CA) (August, 2007)...Theatre Asylum presents the revival of DANNY & THE DEEP BLUE SEA by John Patrick Shanley, now extended to October 6, 2007 at Theatre Asylum in Hollywood.
Starring Deborah Dir & Daniel DeWeldon and directed by Michael Arabian, this revival of DANNY & THE DEEP BLUE SEA came highly recommended to the author John Patrick Shanley – from Oscar winners Martin Landau and Mark Rydell (director of On Golden Pond).
Sold Out Houses from Word of Mouth
"An explosive, deeply affecting study of alienation and the redemptive power of love."
This revival production began from its original workings at The Actors Studio (of which Al Pacino, Ellen Burstyn and Harvey Keitel are the presidents). It was first presented on April 20th, 2007 at Studio-Stage in Hollywood.
Due to sold out houses by word of mouth only, it moved to The Elephant Performance Lab Theater.
The overwhelming response from audiences, and recommendations to writer John Patrick Shanley, caused him to personally release the rights to get reviewed, after having put a hold on this play for several years in Los Angeles!
About the Revival Production
This hit revival stars Deborah Dir (Sex, Sex, Sex, Sex, Sex & Sex; Bernie Mac) and Daniel DeWeldon (Streamers; The Bill) and is directed by Michael Arabian (The Trojan Women; King of the Ants). Produced by Matthew Quinn and David Fofi.
DANNY & THE DEEP BLUE SEA has been extended to October 6, 2007. All performances are at Theatre Asylum at 6320 Santa Monica Blvd. in Hollywood (1 block west of Vine at Santa Monica Blvd.), Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM. Tickets are $20, with half-off tickets available at the Plays411 site. Running time is 70 minutes with intermission. Ample street parking available. Nudity and non-tobacco herbal cigarettes.
For reservations, call (323) 960-7753 or RESERVE ONLINE:
www.plays411.com/danny.
Get more information and discounts online at: www.plays411.com/danny
Critics Picks for DANNY & THE DEEP BLUE SEA
Los Angeles Times- Critics Choice
Their mutual surrender has real stakes — and the performers gorgeously conjure the sudden weightless astonishment of finding themselves attached to each other.
There are few contemporary stage romances willing to shed so much blood to reveal such heart.
A writer like John Patrick Shanley can remind us that falling in love mixes terror and thrills in ways that knock you flat!
The actors move through the play's emotional minefield with grace and guts, grabbing Shanley's street talk by the fistful and shoving it at each other full-force!
LA Weekly – GO
Actors Deborah Dir and Daniel De Weldon sat at separate bar tables on the stage, staring into space, smoking, playing out Shanley's Apache dance with scrupulous honesty and attention to the details of blackened knuckles and bruised pasts.
They get it so right, the authenticity of it in a world of fakery — a fleeting, sacred moment!
Back Stage West – Critics Choice
The surprise is what comes after the sex: an honest, clumsy cry for what could otherwise be described as nothing less than romance, the attempt at which is both humorous and touching.
Ready to blow away anyone!
Dir, gives Roberta many different dimensions. DeWeldon's performance is wonderfully layered
City Beat – Critics Choice
Director Michael Arabian establishes the depth of these characters' alienation before they speak a word.
Deborah Dir and Daniel De Weldon take over and bring Shanley's pungent language to life.
Praise for DANNY & THE DEEP BLUE SEA
"I was delighted to see such mature and moving performances by two gifted actors. Beautifully directed and wonderfully performed. A must see! "
– Mark Rydell
(Academy Award Nominated - Best Director)
"Everyone should find the time to see this play."
– Martin Landau
(Academy Award Winner - Best Supporting Actor, Ed Wood)
"I'll remember this production of DANNY & THE DEEP BLUE SEA long after I've forgotten most of the 'celebrated' plays I've seen in New York lately. Truly committed, and very strong work by everyone involved. I hope everyone will see this play"
– Barry Primus
(Director)
"I've seen four or five productions of DANNY & THE DEEP BLUE SEA over the years. Michael Arabian's production is both forceful and poetic. The magnificent performances by Deborah Dir and Daniel DeWeldon far surpass any other interpretation of this terrific play"
– Lyle Kessler
(Playwright of Orphans)
"Astounding performances, stellar direction, and heart-wrenching theater at its best"
– Brian Foyster
(Actor, writer and director)
Production Team and Cast
MICHAEL ARABIAN (Director) is a producer, director, writer, actor, teacher and traveler. His shows have collectively won over 50 awards in L.A., N.Y. and London. A high point came in 1993-99 when Michael, with Suzanne Battaglia, founded Theatre InSite. They formed a relationship with CBS Studio Center (CBS Radford) in Studio City to produce environmental-site specific theatre on the backlot and in sound stages. This was a first in history. The critical and box office success for all the shows were overwhelming. Two productions of note: an updated version of Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet conceived by Michael Arabian and set in present day L.A. It used cars and motorcycles that raced through a suburban neighborhood where the audience walked from location to location following the action of the play. In 1995 Michael updated The Trojan Women by Euripides (starring Mariette Hartley) setting it in the Gulf War and staged at the Gilligan's Island Lagoon site in 400,000 gallons of water. An amphibious Humvee from the Marine Corps transported troops through the water. This was the last project produced there before the site was leveled. Since then Michael has pursued directing/writing for TV and film. He has so far directed one feature King Of The Ants. Michael sits on the board of WordTheatre, a nonprofit company dedicated to storytelling by great writers read by accomplished actors in live venues and in schools. The performances are broadcast live on National Public Radio and published by HarperAudio.
FRANK MCKOWN (Lighting Design) - Frank McKown has lighted over 150 projects, including plays, musicals, concerts, dance, award shows, benefits, retail and restaurant spaces, and a bar mitzvah. He has been honored with design awards from Drama Logue, Backstage West, Lester Horton Dance Awards, and has been nominated for LA Drama Critics Circle and Ovation Awards.
BOB BLACKBURN (Sound Design) - Bob is an Artistic Associate for Playwrights Arena and has worked with Jon Lawrence Rivera on productions including Manner of Trust, Bitter Home & Garden, Straight As A Line, Failure of Nerve, Red Hat & Tales, Palm Fever, Harvest, Make Love, Not War, Street Stories and many more. Recent productions include Arcadia, Scrooge Variations, Lion In The Streets, Barefoot Boy With Shoes On, Suburban Motel, The Tower, Loot, Beneath The Veil, Nora, Last Summer At Bluefish Cove, Stages, Liberation Day, Nowhere On The Border, Bluebonnet Court, Fat Of The Land, References To Salvador Dali Make Me Hot, Conjunto, Life During Wartime, Dogeaters at The Kirk Douglas Theatre and Skin Of Our Teeth. He is a three time Ovation Award nominee and two time winner, in 1998 for Request Concert directed and 2001 for Street Stories.
MICHAEL GERDSMEIER (Photography) - Michael Gerdsmeir, photographer and motivator par excellence, was born and raised in Aachen, Germany. His natural inclination for the artistic way of life, combined with a business background (education) allowed him to enjoy the privilege of working and living in various locations such as Berlin, Munich, Paris, Rome, Ibiza, New York and finally Los Angeles.
His work experience included modeling, casting, event planning and interior design. Michael's various talents and passion have finally led him to his true vocation. As a photographer, he has a strong preference for natural light and to penetrate to the very essence and core of his subjects, which can be seen in his signature style photography (images).
MAX MAKSIMOVIC (Set Design) - Max Maksimovic (Art Director) started designing underground and commercial photo shoots in early 90's in New York City. This led to work in various Art Department positions, in more than sixty national TV commercials and music videos. Recently, Max worked on handful of independent feature film productions, The Neighbor and How to Rob a Bank to name a few. Also, writes and produces short and experimental films, videos and comedy sketches.
THOMAS MARTIN (Stage Production Manager) - Thomas Martin came to California in 1986 after attending graduate school in Chicago. In 1988 Thomas worked as the Stage Manager for a production named A Bicycle Built For Two which showed at the Long Beach Playhouse. He then pursued the real estate loan business working for several mortgage loan companies, and finally creating his own LLC in 1998, after obtaining his RE Brokers License. He currently operates under his dba of Equitech Funding. He obtained a BA in Philosophy from Bridgewater College in Virginia and an MA in Faith and Culture from Trinity Law and Graduate School in Santa Ana. Thomas is a trained and experienced script supervisor and completed working on a directors reel short very recently. His goal is to produce a documentary on issues in public education. He also sings and plays guitar. Thomas is originally from Pennsylvania and Florida. He has his own personally produced CD entitled Looking Back - My Tribute to the Roots of Rock.
DEBORAH DIR (Roberta) - Deborah Dir is honored to be in this production working with Daniel De Weldon and Michael Arabian. She last appeared on stage at The Actors Studio at Sunset Millennium, originating the role of Ashley in George Furth's play Sex, Sex, Sex, Sex, Sex, Sex, and Sex, directed by John Rubinstein. Before that she starred in LeRoi Jones Dutchman at the Elephant Theatre, Leonard Melfis' Ferryboat, and the critically acclaimed Summerfolk. Most recent film and television credits are Second Time Around, Bernie Mac, and Eavesdropper. She is a proud lifetime member of The Actors Studio. She would like to thank her parents, Bobby Gaylor, and Joanne Linville, for their inspiration and never-ending encouragement. "Now on this spot I stand with my robust soul" - Walt Whitman
DANIEL DE WELDON (Danny) - Daniel DeWeldon is a native of the Maryland & D.C. area. Prior to being received as a member to The Actors Studio, Daniel studied theater with Uta Hagen, Michael Arabian & Howard Fine. His theatrical debut was in the '99 LA production of David Rabes' Streamers, directed by Michael Arabian. Daniel produced, directed and starred in the '03 LA production of Edward Albees' The Zoo Story. Moreover, Daniel has showcased such theatrical productions as Death of A Salesman, Lovers & Other Strangers, Does A Tiger Wear A Necktie, Life & Limb, Reservoir Dogs, Glengarry Glenross & True West. Daniel's latest film credits include The Select Fit in '04, The Night Before The Morning After in '05, Headhunting in '06 and The Bill in '07. Daniel would like to especially thank the director Michael Arabian for his participation and all that he has brought to this production of DANNY & THE DEEP BLUE SEA. Moreover, Daniel thanks Ms. Deborah Dir for her talent and loving spirit that she brought to this production. Thank you Ms. Haney, Mr. Gerdsmeier, Mr. Mckown, Mr. Decola, Mr. Maksimovic, Mr. Martin, Mr. Blackburn & The Actors Studio for all of their support & expertise!
JEFFRY A. DECOLA (Graphic Design) has worked as Principle and Lead Hardware Engineer for many networking companies including Fujitsu Network Communications, Cabletron Systems and Siltek Communications. He has also been involved in starting other high-tech firms. He was President and Chairman of the National Skate Patrol, a 500 member volunteer organization and currently co-owns a new video production company, It's Terrific Pictures. Jeff is an observer at The Actors Studio who has worked on many projects including a benefit performance of Orphans and other plays such as Death of a Salesman and Fences. Jeff's career as an actor had him play Nick in Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolf, directed by David Lee Strasberg. His new role as a Director led him to direct the short film K is for Krazy.
Matthew Quinn (Co-Producer) Along with over twenty years of entertainment experience including acting, directing and producing, Matthew has over fifteen years of business experience. He is the Producing Artistic Director of C.A.F.E. (Combined Art Form Entertainment) where he has developed original shows including Tilted Frame as well as bringing works from Los Angeles to San Francisco stages including Eavesdropper and Papa (Open Fist). In addition he has worked for Asian American Theater, Custom Made Theater, Magic Theater, Cutting Ball Theater and other leading Bay Area Theater companies. At Off Market Theater in San Francisco he managed over twenty thousand feet of office, rehearsal, concession and performance space in addition to producing or co-producing over seventy-five productions working with over thirty different producers and companies. He is now the new owner of Theatre Asylum and excited about producing work in Los Angeles as well as San Francisco.
David Fofi (Co-Producer) has enjoyed working in many aspects of the theater: as a director, actor, producer and designer, and is the founder of the Elephant Theater Company and co-creator of Elephant Stageworks and the Lillian Theater. After serving with the US Navy, David Fofi went on to study theatre at California State University Long Beach, where he met a core group of artists who would become the Elephant Theater Company, founded in 1995 in downtown Los Angeles. He is the director of numerous world-premiere shows such as Los Muertos (LA Times Critic's Choice), The Sand Storm (Back Stage West Critic's Pick) and NAACP Award-nominated One World. Fofi also Directed and Co-Produced the recent multiple Critic's Pick hit, "In Arabia We'd All Be Kings".