Little Engine Theater will present the U.S. premiere of Philippa Lawford's Cold Water with a strictly limited engagement at Ki Smith Gallery in Manhattan. Performances will run March 19-April 9, with an official opening set for March 27. Michael Herwitz (JOB) is set to direct.
The cast will include Stefania LaVie Owen (Sweet Tooth, Yen) and Ben Rosenfield (6 Years, The Ally).
In Cold Water, Emma moves back with her parents after university and gets a job in her old school's Drama department. Before long, she's spending every day in the studio with Matt, her boss. Matt decides to teach Emma everything he knows, and Emma feels her life starting to change.
鈥淲hen I first read Philippa鈥檚 beautiful play, I fell in love with the currents running underneath and in between her two characters," Herwitz said in a statement. "I knew immediately I wanted to excavate all that lies within these protagonists, and I am thrilled they will be brought to life by Ben and Stefania. Their work has inspired me for years, and they will architect a beautiful evening of theatre. It is obviously a moment of immense change and challenge for nonprofit theatre. While there is much evidence of erosion and struggle, I am inspired by the birth of Little Engine Theater and the vision and values of its founders. I believe a new era of theatre-making is here, and it is a great honor to be part of it.鈥�
Cold Water is the debut production of Little Engine Theater, a company dedicated to staging international plays in unconventional settings.
鈥淲e are thrilled to present the American premiere of Cold Water by Philippa Lawford at the Ki Smith Gallery, a location defined by an invigorating energy that uplifts young artists and encourages new forms of creativity," co-founders Lilly Englert, Theodora Miranne, and Elena Rusconi said in a joint statement. "With no boundaries between the audience and the characters, we invite them to dive into an electrifying exploration of human behavior. The hyper intimate setting means every glance and breath carries weight, and we are honored that Stefania and Ben, two deeply talented actors, will bring Philippa鈥檚 exquisite text to life. Michael Herwitz buzzes with creativity and his bold vision for this play has highly impressed us.鈥�
The production will feature original music by Julia Bailen. The creative team also includes scenographer Mextly Couzin, costume designer Verity Azario, sound designer Ryan Gamblin, and stage manager Cass Fawcett.
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