Studio Arena presents Broadway hit ‘Three Days of Rain’

Play marks Artistic Director Kathleen Gaffney’s directorial debut at Studio Arena Theatre

October 12, 2006

Studio Arena Theatre presents the contemporary drama, “Three Days Of Rain,” written by Richard Greenberg and directed by Studio Arena Theatre Artistic Director Kathleen Gaffney. “Three Days Of Rain” begins previews on Friday, Oct. 20, and runs through Sunday, Nov. 12. Opening/media night is Friday, Oct. 27, at 8 p.m.

This production of “Three Days Of Rain” will be the first at a regional theatre since the show – starring Julia Roberts – was staged on Broadway in the spring. It is also the first play Gaffney will direct at Studio Arena since being named artistic director in April.

Written in 1997, “Three Days Of Rain” won the L.A. Drama Critics Award; was a runner up for the Pulitzer Prize; and was nominated for the Olivier, Drama Desk and Hull-Warriner awards.

“ ‘Three Days Of Rain’ is a personal favorite,” said Gaffney. “How fortunate to make my directing debut here with a show that is full of sharp and stinging language, arresting images, and deep insight. It’s no surprise that the play was short listed for the Pulitzer Prize.”

“Three Days Of Rain” is a complex story spanning two generations, starting in the first act with Walter, his sister Nan, and their childhood friend, Pip, as they meet to divide the legacy of their late fathers who were partners in a renowned architecture firm. As these three 30-somethings grapple with their own lives, they search for clues to unravel the mystery of what transpired between their fathers and the woman in their lives decades before. Then the story dramatically shifts to 35 years earlier, with the same three actors portraying the previous generation. The audience witnesses life-changing events that occur over the course of “Three Days of Rain.” When the play premiered in London, the London Evening Standard said the it demonstrates “how biology may give a helping hand to destiny; how the sins, or rather our parents’ traits and decisions may play shaping parts in our lives.”

Eric Martin Brown plays the dual roles of Pip and his father Theo. He has appeared on Broadway in “Dance of Death.” Michael Laurence plays the dual roles of Walker and his father Ned. He has appeared as Starbuck in “The Rainmaker” at Arena Stage. Sara Surrey plays the dual roles of Nan and her mother Lina. Surrey has appeared Off-Broadway in “Where We’re Born.”

Gaffney has achieved professional distinction as a playwright, director, actress, published author and arts administrator. She wrote and directed “171 Jazz Boulevard,” which opened at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall. Her other plays include “Frontiers,” which Variety called “nearly a master work”; “Surrender,” co-written with Christopher Eaves; and “Challenge Her,” which was awarded Best Unpublished Play of 1995 by the American Association of Theatre Educators.

Greenberg is the author of “Take Me Out,” which received the Drama Desk Award, NY Drama Critics Circle Award, Outer Critics Circle Award, Lucille Lortel Award and the Tony Award for Best Play.

The creative team includes scenic designer Wilson Chin, costume designer Ann R. Emo, lighting designer Lynne M. Koscielniak, sound designer Rich Menke and stage manager Marianne Montgomery.

“Three Days Of Rain” is sponsored by HSBC and WBFO 88.7-FM. Tickets are on sale now. Single and subscription tickets can be purchased by calling the Studio Arena box office at 856-5650 or (800) 77STAGE. For more information, visit www.studioarena.org.