GOD STEELING Opens Tonight at Theater 54

Wave Productions in association with Shetler Studios & Theatres will present the World Premiere of Charles Cissel's GOD STEELING, a revealing look at the lives of New York City ironworkers. Directed by Robin A. Paterson, previews began March 8 at Theater 54. Opening is slated for tonight, March 14.

GOD STEELING is a groundbreaking new play about the ironworkers who build the skyline of New York City. Set in 1980, the play recounts an eventful day in the life of five ironworkers - a Mohawk Indian, a Newfoundlander, the first African American ironworker, a retiree and a rookie - and the Irish bartender who welcomes them morning, noon and night. The men take life-and-death risks up in the air, but the real conflict takes shape when they come down to earth at the local bar.

The production stars Estelle Bajou (Mark Ravenhill's pool {no water} at PS 122), Zach Wegner (The Deep Throat Sex Scandal), Michael Basile (All Dolled Up), Joe Cross (Inktomi at The Public Theater), Jay Ward (Best Supporting Actor Audelco Award nominee for Cool Blues at New Federal Theater) and David Zhonzinsky with set by James J. Fenton, costumes by Sarah Gosnell, lighting by Robin A. Paterson, sound by Craig Lenti, fight direction by Andrew Kenneth Moss and stage management by Laura Lindsay.

Charles Cissel has had four plays produced Off-Off Broadway: Home Sweet Home/Crack, Rosa Rugosa/Touch Me, Organic Shrapnel, and Splatter. These plays, presented at venues including The Ohio Theater, Center Stage and Sanford Meisner Theater, were directed by Terese Hayden. As an actor, he has performed in 3 Tennessee Williams, 3 Greek Tragedies, 2 Albees, 1 Odets and 1 O'Neill.

Robin A. Paterson's international career spans more than 150 productions. Active in the creation of new plays as a director, designer and producer, he has collaborated on more than 50 premieres. New York directing credits include Two-Man Kidnapping Rule by Joseph Gallo (New Ohio Theatre); Psychomachia by Jennifer Lane (Artistic New Directions); Stress Positions by Daniel Sweren-Becker (SoHo Playhouse); Humans Anonymous by Kate Hewlett (Bridge Theatre Company) and Making Marilyn by Ken Cameron (Bridge Theatre Company). Since September 2006, Robin has been the Managing Artistic Director of Shetler Studios & Theatres.

GOD STEELING runs now through March 24; Thursday & Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 3pm & 8pm, and Sunday at 3pm with added performances March 11 & 20 at 8pm. Theatre 54 @ Shetler Studios is located at 244 West 54th Street, 12th floor, between 8th Avenue and Broadway -- accessible from the A,B,C,D,1&9 trains at Columbus Circle. Tickets are $18, available at www.smarttix.com or 212-868-4444.