St. Luke Theatre's ZELDA AT THE OASIS Begins Previews Tonight, 11/16

P. H. Lin's new drama, ZELDA AT THE OASIS, directed by Andy Sandberg (The Last Smoker in America), will begin previews tonight, November 16th at 5 pm at St. Luke's Theatre, 308 West 46th Street, (west of 8th Avenue), with the official opening on Tuesday, December 4th at 7 PM. ZELDA AT THE OASIS, which features Edwin Cahill and Gardner Reed, is an open-ended Equity production. The regular performance schedule for Zelda at the Oasis is Fridays at 5 pm & Tuesdays at 7 pm(with additional performances on Sundays, Nov 18th & 25th; Dec 2nd & 9th at 7 pm and no performance on Friday, December 7th).

Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald, wife of legendary American novelist, F. Scott Fitzgerald, wants nothing more than to be recognized as an artist in her own right. Two things stand in her way: a growing mental instability and the overbearing shadow of her husband.

On this magical night in the 1930's, Zelda discovers The Club Oasis, a New York City bar where she has escaped to drink alone…until a unique and unexpected friendship is forged with an aspiring musician who plays piano and tends bar at the Oasis.

Vivid and haunting memories are triggered as Zelda transforms the Bar Man into those from her past who have shaped her own self-image. Through this after-hours encounter, they share their dreams, missteps, and insights with one another, hoping to unlock the courage to move forward with their lives.

Edwin Cahill, who plays the Bar Man, appeared on Broadway in LoveMusik and in the national tour of Sweeney Todd (John Doyle prod.). Gardner Reed is making her New York stage debut as Zelda Fitzgerald. Her previous credits include Mona in Find and Sign (Pioneer Theater Company), Inga Arvad in Inga Binga (Charleston Stage) and The Women in 39 Steps (Portland Stage Company).

Andy Sandberg (Director) recently directed the New York premiere of The Last Smoker in America, a new musical by Tony nominee Bill Russell and Drama Desk nominee Peter Melnick. He previously directed the world premiere at CATCO in Columbus, Ohio. He has been represented on Broadway and London's West End as a producer of the Tony Award winning revival of HAIR and the recent Broadway revival of Gore Vidal's The Best Man (2012 Tony and Drama Desk nominations).

P. H. Lin (Playwright) has written fifteen plays which have been produced in theaters or festivals around the United States, including Running Wild, One of the Few, Miss Matty and the Maja, Sweet Ginger: Hot and Blue, and The Zen of Yo. A portion of P. H. Lin's new drama, ZELDA AT THE OASIS was presented at the Women International Playwrights Conference in Greece.

The designer team for Zelda at the Oasis includes Colin McGurk (sets), Dustin Cross (costumes), Grant Yeager (lights), and Daniel Melnick (sound). The General Manager is Jessimeg Productions and the Production Stage Manager is Shelby Taylor Love. Casting is by Michael Cassara, CSA.

The performance schedule for ZELDA AT THE OASIS is Fridays at 5 & Tuesdays at 7 (with additional performances on Sundays, November 18th & 25th; December 2nd & 9th at 7 pm and no performance on Friday, December 7th). Tickets at $59.50 and $37.50 are available through TeleCharge at www.telecharge.com or (212) 239-6200. Student Rush tickets priced at $20 are available at Box Office with valid student ID on day of performance. $30-under-30 tickets may be purchased by anyone age 30 and under in advance at the BO with valid ID (subject to availability). The St. Luke's Box Office is open 2-6 PM daily and until 7 PM on performance days.

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