FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Cindy Moran,
Public Relations Director, 414-224-1761
March 10, 2010
Mayhem and hilarity in Artistic Director Joe Hanreddy’s
grand finale
SEVEN KEYS TO SLAUGHTER PEAK
Written & Directed by Joseph Hanreddy
Based on the novel by Earl Derr Biggers
& the play by George M. Cohan
| Made possible by the generous
support of: |
 |
Quadracci Powerhouse Theater
Previews: March 23, 24 and 25, 2010 Opens: March
26, 2010 Closes: April 18, 2010
Fact and fiction dissolve into delicious mayhem and hilarity in Joe Hanreddy’s
grand finale as Artistic Director. Based on Seven Keys to Baldpate,
this delightful comic caper features The Rep’s Resident Acting Company. Tickets
can be purchased in person at The Rep Ticket Office at 108 East Wells Street,
or by telephone at 414-224-9490. Tickets can also be purchases online 24/7
at milwaukerep.com.
Determined novelist, William Magee makes a wager with his wealthy friend that
he can write a novel in only 24 hours time. Mr. Bentley, the owner of Slaughter
Peak Lodge, a summer resort located on a hill overlooking Spread Eagle, Wisconsin,
offers Magee a room where he can lock himself in and work to complete the novel,
assuring him he will be the carrier of the only key to the lodge.
Magee arrives at Slaughter Peak on a freezing cold winter night and is greeted
by Mr. Quimby, the caretaker of the lodge during the off-season. He is to call
Mr. Bentley exactly at midnight the next night to complete the 24-hour period
and he is not to disturb Magee during that time. Magee wants to be sure he
will not be disturbed and Quimby is confident he will have all the peace and
quiet he needs, as the Lodge is vacant until April.
Magee receives his key and soon enough he sets up his room to get to work.
Not long after he commits to his writing, he hears a man downstairs speaking
to someone on the phone settling an illicit money deal which involves putting
cash into a safe at Slaughter Peak. He meets Mr. Bland - shocked and aggravated
by Magee’s presence – who is convinced he is the only one to hold
the one and only key to the lodge.
Soon after, the door to Slaughter Peak opens once more. Journalist Mary Hitchcock
is there to write a story about a man who made a wager to write a novel in
24 hours. Of course, she was told she was the only one possessing
the key. Alarmed and confused Magee interrogates Mary and tries to figure out
what is going on. Now, he is certain the owner of Slaughter Peak set all this
up so he would not be able to write his novel and lose the final bet.
As the evening wears on, the lodge becomes the rendezvous for several mysterious
characters, all of whom have keys of their own. Magee tries to figure out these
frivolities, realizing he is now part of a startling murder. Can Magee put
the clues together? More importantly, will he ever finish his novel?
Earl Derr Biggers’ 1913 novel, Seven Keys to Baldpate,was adapted
for stage by George M. Cohan. It had its world premiere at New York’s
Astor Theater on September 22, 1913. Since then, it has had several film incarnations,
including a made-for-television movie and six full-length feature films, the
most recent being 1983’s House of Long Shadows starring Vincent
Price, Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing and Desi Arnaz, Jr.
Biggers is best known for his famed mystery novels featuring Charlie Chan,
a Chinese-American detective who lives in Honolulu. The character became wildly
popular, prompting Biggers to write four Charlie Chan books, some of which
have been adapted to film.
Cohan, an acclaimed performer and playwright, is considered to be the father
of the American musical-comedy. His first Broadway hit was 1904’s LITTLE
JOHNNY JONES, which featured the songs Give My Regards to Broadway and The
Yankee Doodle Boy. One June 29, 1936, President Franklin D. Roosevelt
presented Cohan with The Congressional Gold Medal for his contributions to
World War I morale, in particular the songs You’re a Grand Old Flag and Over
There.
Director/Adaptor Joseph Hanreddy used both Biggers’ novel
and Cohan’s play to adapt SEVEN KEYS TO SLAUGHTER PEAK.
To close the 2009/10 season and his 17-year tenure with The Rep, Hanreddy gave
the script a few tweaks and made it uniquely Wisconsin. The play was given
a new rural Wisconsin setting and Wisconsin colloquialisms.
According to Hanreddy,
he “wanted to wind up the season as well as my
time as The Rep’s Artistic Director with a joyful and entertaining romp – something
uniquely our own and including as many of the Resident Acting Company Members
as possible.”
Joe Hanreddy is in his 17th and final season
as the Artistic Director of Milwaukee Repertory Theater. He has directed over
30 productions for the company as well as authored and performed in several
others. Many plays produced during Joe’s tenure have earned national
and international recognition. A Wall Street Journal review of THE
NORMAN CONQUESTS (2007/08), under his direction, stated that “revivals of so complex a theatrical undertaking
must of necessity be rare, and I very much doubt you'll see a better one than
this.” The Rep’s production of an original adaptation of MOBY DICK
was named one of the top ten productions in the nation by Time Magazine in
2002. The Rep’s production of SILENCE, remounted in Tokyo, also under
Joe’s direction, received the Yomuri-Shinbun award, Japan’s highest
dramatic honor. Joe has continued The Rep’s strong history of premiering
new American plays, and approximately 50 new plays, translations and adaptations
have been mounted during his tenure. Recent premieres, which have subsequently
been produced in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and regionally, include THE
NIGHT IS A CHILD, BACH IN LEIPZIG, PARAGON SPRINGS and FORCE OF NATURE. THE
MARVELOUS WONDERETTES, which was commissioned by The Rep and premiered in the
Stackner Cabaret, is currently enjoying a successful Off-Broadway run. During
Joe’s tenure, The Rep has recruited such acclaimed international directors
as Ben Barnes, the former Artistic Director of Ireland’s Abbey Theatre,
László Marton, Artistic Director of the Vigszinház Theater
in Budapest, Hungary and Paolo Landi, Ganshi Mureta, Lev Stukalov and Mark-Wing
Davey from Italy, Japan, Russia and Great Britain, respectively, to create
innovative productions of world classics. The Rep has also produced original
interdisciplinary and multicultural collaborations with both international
and local performing arts organizations including Ko-Thi Dance Company, the
Omsk State Drama Theater and the Subaru Theater Company of Japan. Joe has sat
on panels for the National Endowment for the Arts and the Theater Communications
Group, as well as has served as an on-site evaluator for the NEA. He has also
recently been a guest professor at Northwestern University and the Professional
Theatre Training Program at the University of Delaware.
The cast of SEVEN KEYS TO SLAUGHTER PEAK includes Resident
Acting Company Members: Jonathan Gillard Daly (Adam Hayden), Lee
E. Ernst (Elijah Quimby); Laura Gordon (Alice Hitchcock); Torrey
Hanson (John Bland); Gerard Neugent (Lou Max); James
Pickering (Sheriff Walter Derwinski); Peter Silbert (Jake
Peters); Deborah Staples (Myra Madigan) and Brian
Vaughn (William Magee).
The cast also features guest actors: Steve Pickering (Jim
Cargan) and Lee Stark (Mary Hitchcock). Steve Pickering returns after appearing
in THE GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR earlier this season and Lee Stark was seen in last
season’s productions of THE CHERRY ORCHARD and PRIDE AND PREJUDICE.
Artistic Intern Company Members also featured include: Rob Glidden (Joe
Feeney) and Dylan Saunders (Jack Feeney).
(To learn more about our Resident Acting Company, Guest Actors or our Intern
Company, please visit milwaukerep.com)
(The Rep’s online publication March/April 2010 edition of Prologue is
available now at milwaukeerep.com)
(SEVEN KEYS TO SLAUGHTER PEAK production photos will be posted
at milwaukeerep.com/about/photos.htm.)
The Production/Design Team for SEVEN KEYS TO SLAUGHTER PEAK includes: Michael
Ganio (Scenic Designer); Martha Hally (Costume Designer); Thomas
C. Hase (Lighting Designer); Barry G. Funderburg (Sound
Designer); Ed Burgess (Movement Coach); Lee E. Ernst (Fight
Choreographer); Whitney Frazier (Stage Manager); Amanda
Weener (Assistant Stage Manager); Holly Burnell (Stage
Management Apprentice) and Dylan K. Sladky (Assistant Director).
Tickets for SEVEN KEYS TO SLAUGHTER PEAK range in price from
$10 - $60. Students and senior citizens may purchase half-price RUSH TICKETS
with proper identification 60 minutes before curtain time for all Quadracci
Powerhouse performances at The Rep Ticket Office. For more information or to
charge tickets, call 414-224-9490. Tickets can be purchased
online 24/7 at milwaukeerep.com. For group sales of 10 or
more, call The Rep Ticket Office at 414-224-9490.
Under 40 Discount
For patrons under the age of 40, select Quadracci Powerhouse Theater tickets
are $15. Proper identification required. Go to therep-entourage.com to
order tickets. (Under 40 tickets are based on availability.)
Special Events for SEVEN KEYS TO SLAUGHTER PEAK
- The Rep in Depth begins 45 minutes before every performance
in the Quadracci Powerhouse Theater. This Rep in Depth will be led by Resident
Acting Company Member, Torrey Hanson.
- On Thursday, March 25 at 7:30 p.m. and Tuesday,
March 30 at 6:30 p.m. there will be an Audio-Described Performance
for patrons who are blind or have low vision.
- On Thursday, April 15 at 7:30 p.m. there will be an American
Sign Language Interpreted Performance for patrons who are deaf or have low
hearing.
- The Rep Talkbacks will be held after the 7:30
p.m. performances on Tuesday, March 30 and Wednesday, April 14.
The Rep Talkbacks are offered immediately after select performances and
offer an opportunity for audience members to ask questions about the play
to Rep company members and actors in the production. For more information
on The Rep Talkbacks, please contact the Ticket Office at 414-224-9490 or
refer to The Rep’s Patron Guide.
- Pay-What-You-Can dates for this production are Tuesday, March 23
and Wednesday, March 24 at 7:30 p.m. Here is your chance to experience
some of Milwaukee’s best live theater at a price you can afford.
A $5 minimum donation is suggested. Quadracci Powerhouse performances start
at 7:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale at 5:30 p.m. on the day of the performance.
There is a limit of 10 tickets per person for the Quadracci Powerhouse
performances. All performances are held in the Quadracci Powerhouse Theater
located in the Milwaukee Center at 108 E. Wells Street. For more information
call The Rep’s Ticket Office at 414-224-9490.
- The Director’s Dialogue Series
for SEVEN KEYS TO SLAUGHTER PEAK will
take place Thursday,
March 25 at 6 p.m. and will be led by director Joseph Hanreddy. This
series gives you the chance to get behind the scenes and meet the director
of our productions. Hear what they have to say about their process, learn
more about the play and get a chance to ask them any questions you may have
about a professional production. Tickets are $25. Please visit our website, milwaukeerep.com/support/events.htm for
the most current information or contact our Development Events Manager, Becca
Kitelinger at rkitelinger@milwaukeerep.com or 414-290-5347.
- The third and final Entourage Event of the season will
feature Joseph Hanreddy’s season finale SEVEN KEYS TO SLAUGHTER
PEAK on Wednesday, March 23. The pre-show reception
will take place at Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery on Plankinton Avenue
near The Rep prior to the 7:30 p.m. performance. Following the show, a cash
bar and complimentary appetizers will be provided at The InterContinental’s
CLEAR bar in the hotel lobby. This event is for patrons under 40. Tickets
are $15. Visit www.milwaukeerep.com/entourage
for more information or to buy tickets.
- Come join the InterContinental for a special
pre-show matinee luncheon before The Rep’s performance of SEVEN KEYS TO SLAUGHTER PEAK on Wednesday,
April 14. The inclusive lunch buffet is from 11:45 to 1:15
pm and costs $15 (includes tax and gratuity.) The guest speaker will be Artistic
Director Joe Hanreddy. To make your reservation, please
call 414-905-1200 or e-mail rebeccarosado@marcuscorp.com.
- Milwaukee Repertory
Theater Prop and Costume Garage Sale will
take place on Saturday, April 3 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in
The Rep’s Paint Shop. Items to be sold will include costume pieces,
props, furniture and set decoration from such favorite Rep productions as:
THE CHERRY ORCHARD (19th century-look electric train, transformer and 12
feet circle of track); A MONTH IN THE COUNTRY (Victorian bookcase); THE NIGHT
IS A CHILD (pub table and stool); HULA HOOP SHA-BOOP (’57 Chevy cutout);
THE GOAT, OR, WHO IS SYLVIA? (mission-style arm chair); THE FOREIGNER
(bronze branch chandelier); HAPPY NOW? (couch, chairs, book case, rolling
butcher block kitchen island, coffee table and dining table from); SHEAR
MADNESS (Plexiglas furniture and mirror) and a whole bunch of items from
ROUTE 66. Payment by cash or check will be accepted. All purchases are cash
and carry, and must be removed from The Rep by the end of the day. Get there
early for best selection!
Mayhem and hilarity in Artistic Director Joe Hanreddy’s
grand finale
SEVEN KEYS TO SLAUGHTER PEAK
Written & Directed by Joseph Hanreddy
Based on the novel by Earl Derr Biggers
& the play by George M. Cohan
| Made possible by the
generous support of: |
|
FACT SHEET
THEATER: Quadracci Powerhouse
Theater
DATES: March 23 – April 18, 2010
DESCRIPTION: Fact and fiction dissolve into delicious mayhem and
hilarity in Joe Hanreddy’s grand finale as Artistic Director. Based on Seven
Keys to Baldpate, this delightful comic caper features The Rep’s
Resident Acting Company.
PERFORMANCES:
Tuesday, 3/23/10 - 7:30 p.m. - Preview/Pay-What-You-Can
Wednesday, 3/24/10 - 7:30 p.m. - Preview/Pay-What-You-Can
Thursday, 3/25/10 - 7:30 p.m. - Preview/Audio-Description
Friday, 3/26/10 - 8:00 p.m. - Open
Saturday, 3/27/10 – 4:00/8:00 p.m.
Sunday, 3/28/10 - 2:00/7:00
Tuesday, 3/30/10 - 6:30 p.m. Early Bird/Audio-Description/Talkback
Wednesday, 3/31/10 - 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, 4/1/10 - 7:30 p.m.
Friday, 4/2/10 - 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, 4/3/10 - 4:00/8:00 p.m.
Sunday, 4/4/10 - 2:00/7:00 - 2:00/Smoke-Free
Wednesday, 4/7/10 - 1:30/7:30 p.m. – 1:30/Business
Thursday, 4/8/10 - 7:30 p.m.
Friday, 4/9/10 - 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, 4/10/10 - 4:00/8:00 p.m.
Sunday, 4/11/10 - 2:00/7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 4/14/10 - 1:30/7:30 p.m./Talkback
Thursday, 4/15/10 - 7:30 p.m. - American Sign Language
Friday, 4/16/10 - 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, 4/17/10 - 4:00/8:00 p.m.
Sunday, 4/18/10 - 2:00/7:00 p.m. - Close
TICKET PRICES:
PREVIEWS: $10.00 - $40.00
WEEKDAY/SUNDAY: $10.00 - $45.00
FRIDAY/SATURDAY: $10.00 - $60.00
TICKETS/INFORMATION: 414-224-9490
or buy tickets online at milwaukeerep.com
TICKET OFFICE LOCATION: 108 East Wells Street in Milwaukee’s
Downtown Theater District
TICKET OFFICE HOURS: Mon - Fri, 12 pm - 6 pm on phones,
12 pm - curtain for window
Sat/Sun 12 pm - 6 pm on phones, 12 pm - curtain for window
###
Milwaukee Repertory Theater is a nationally recognized
theater company that presents a critically-acclaimed selection
of compelling dramas, powerful classics, award-winning contemporary
works and lively Cabaret shows on three stages from September through
May. The Rep also produces an annual production of A CHRISTMAS
CAROL. The Rep's home, the Patty and Jay Baker Theater Complex,
accommodates the Quadracci Powerhouse Theater, the Stiemke Theater
and the Stackner Cabaret. The Rep is also home to a Resident Acting
Company of 10 actors who perform with The Rep throughout the season.
The
Rep is proud to be a member of the United
Performing Arts Fund (UPAF), which provides major annual
financial support. Through
community support of the United Performing Arts Fund, UPAF
Member and Affiliate Groups are able to provide education
and outreach to over 400,000 children, provide over 2,000
live performances and reach over 1,000,000 people every year.
When everyone supports the arts through UPAF, they help our
local economy, improving education and strengthening outreach
programs to the disabled and elderly – all while adding
culture to their own life. Support of UPAF is critical to
UPAF Member Groups’ ability
to continue to offer exceptional live performances, award-winning
education and outreach programming and substantial economic
impact to our region. To learn more about UPAF or to donate,
go to www.upaf.org.
The Rep is supported in part by a grant
from the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the state of
Wisconsin. The Rep is a member of the League
of Resident Theatres (LORT), a management association
of some of the nation's largest non-profit professional
theaters that collectively bargains with the unions that
represent the actors, directors and designers that work
at The Rep; a constituent of Theatre
Communications Group (TCG), the national organization
for the nonprofit professional theater; and a member of Theatre
Wisconsin, the statewide association of non-profit
professional theaters. This theater operates under an
agreement between the League of Resident Theatres and Actors'
Equity Association, the union of professional actors
and stage managers in the United States. The set, costume
and lighting designers are members of United
Scenic Artists,
a national labor union. This theater is an equal opportunity employer.
Except in plays where race itself is an issue, casting
is decided based on ability, not race.
Milwaukee
Repertory Theater
Patty & Jay Baker Theatre Complex
108 E Wells St Milwaukee, WI 53202
Ticket Office: 414-224-9490 Ticket Office Fax: 225-5490
Administrative: 414-224-1761 Fax: 414-224-9097
milwaukeerep.com |
