Abingdon Theatre Co Presents BLAME IT ON BECKETT

Abingdon Theatre Company - which has produced 63 new American plays in its 18-year history - launches its 2011-2012 Season with the world premiere of BLAME IT ON BECKETT, a new comedy by John Morogiello, author of the recent Abingdon hit ENGAGING SHAW, set to begin previews tonight , prior to its official press opening October 16, at the Abingdon Theatre Arts Complex's Dorothy Strelsin Theatre (312 West 36th Street). Jackob G. Hofmann directs.

BLAME IT ON BECKETT is a new comedy that bites the hand that feeds it. Set in the literary office of a regional theatre, BLAME IT ON BECKETT centers on an intern struggling to balance her artistic integrity against the demands of her personal and professional life.

BLAME IT ON BECKETT costars Mark Doherty, Lori Gardner, Warren Kelley, and Anne Newhall. The production has scenic design by Andrew Lu; costume design by Kimberly Matela; lighting design by Duane Pagano; and sound design by David Margolin Lawson. The Production Stage Manager is Mark Hoffner.

Mark Doherty returns to Abingdon, having previously co-starred in last season's HOW I FELL IN LOVE. Lori Gardner was last seen Off-Broadway in THE DEEP THROAT SEX SCANDAL and has appeared at Abingdon in MY DEAH, and INVENTING AVI, among others. Warren Kelley portrayed George Bernard Shaw in Abingdon's recent production of Morogiello's ENGAGING SHAW. Previously he was seen Off-Broadway in both Abingdon Theatre Company's FREUDIAN SLIPS and ELVIS AND JULIET co-starring with Fred Willard and David Rasche. Anne Newhall's Off-Broadway credits include THE DOCTOR'S DILEMMA, JOY SOLUTION, and STRICTLY PERSONAL.

In addition to ENGAGING SHAW - which The New York Times called "a charming romantic comedy featuring four razor sharp tongues" when it premiered at Abingdon last year - playwright John Morogiello's work includes the FringeNYC hit IRISH AUTHORS HELD HOSTAGE; STONEWALL'S
BUST; BUSHWA! A MODERN UBU; MEN AND PARTS; and the award-winning screenplay HAPPY HOUR ("Best Short Comedy," 2003 NY Independent Film and Video Festival). ENGAGING SHAW was a New York Times and New York Magazine Critic's Pick and was also ranked in L Magazine's "Top 10 Things We Saw on Stage in 2010." The play just finished a critically acclaimed hit production at San Diego's Old Globe Theatre.

BLAME IT ON BECKETT reunites Morogiello with director Jackob G. Hofmann, who helmed ENGAGING SHAW. Hofmann currently works as a director and coordinator with Abingdon Theatre Company's ongoing reading series. He has also worked with Rattlestick Productions, The
Workshop Theatre Co., TheatreWorks USA, Westport County Playhouse, and among others, Downtown Cabaret Theatre. He is founder and artistic director of the Aurora Theatre Ensemble.

Abingdon Theatre Company's 2011-2012 Season productions are Equity Approved Showcases.

BLAME IT ON BECKETT runs October 7-30: Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7pm; Friday and Saturdays at 8pm; with 2pm matinees on Saturdays and Sundays (with the following exception: Sunday, October 16 at 5pm). Ticket are $25. For tickets and information about Abingdon Theatre
Company (312 West 36th Street), call 212-868-2055 or visit www.abingdontheatre.org

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