 | Characters Lee Blanchard (played by Marcus Dean Fuller) and Bucky Bleichert (portrayed by Mike Dooly) are opponents in the boxing ring but partners on the Los Angeles Police Department in "The Black Dahlia." |
A policeman hunts a sadistic killer in the hills of Hollywood in "The Black Dahlia," the first offering in the Yale Repertory Theatre's 2003-2004 season.
The play, which will make its American premiere at the Yale Rep, was adapted from the James Ellroy novel of the same name by Mike Alfreds, who will direct the production. The play will be performed Oct. 17-Nov. 8 at the University Theatre, 222 York St. Opening night is Thursday, Oct. 23.
The Ellroy novel and Yale Rep play were inspired by the real-life murder of aspiring actress Elizabeth Short, nicknamed "The Black Dahlia" for her dark hair and preference for black clothing. Short was found in 1947 cut in two at the waist and severely mutilated. The case became a public sensation, partly because of the gruesome nature of the crime and partly because of the number of people who falsely confessed to it.
This fictionalized account tells the story of boxer-turned-cop Bucky Bleichert as he follows a twisting and turbulent path in an effort to find and catch the killer.
Ellroy, who is also the author of "L.A. Confidential," will discuss and sign copies of his book "The Black Dahlia" at 3 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17, at the Yale Bookstore, 77 Broadway. The talk is free and open to the public.
Director Alfreds has translated and adapted many works, and presented productions throughout the world. A native of London, he worked for five years in Israel and eight in the United States, where he was artistic director of the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. He also worked in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Germany, Norway, China and Mongolia, as well as the United Kingdom, where he founded Shared Experience, was an associate director at the Royal National Theatre and served as artistic director of Method & Madness. In 2004, he will direct for the Royal Shakespeare Company. In addition, Alfreds is a teacher who was on the staff of LAMDA and a senior lecturer at Tel Aviv University.
"The Black Dahlia" features a 14-member ensemble, with many cast members appearing in multiple roles. In addition to Mike Dooly, who appears as Bucky Bleichert, the cast includes (in alphabetical order) David Bardeen, Amanda Cobb, Frank Deal, Marcus Dean Fuller, Mercedes Herrero, Matt Hoverman, Allen E. Read, Christina Rouner, Sara Surrey, Anne Torsiglieri, Graham Winton, Jeffrey Withers and Mark Zeisler.
"The Black Dahlia" features scenic design by Peter McKintosh, costume design by Anne Kenney, lighting design by Stephen Strawbridge, sound design by Daniel Baker and projections by Blythe Quinlan. Mark Bly and Rachel Rusch are the dramaturges; Robert H. Davis is the dialect coach; B.H. Barry is the fight director; and Karen Quisenberry is the production stage manager.
Showtimes for "The Black Dahlia" are 8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, with matinees on Saturdays at 2 p.m. There is a special Monday performance at 8 p.m. on Oct. 20, and a Wednesday matineee on Nov. 5 at 2 p.m.
The Yale Rep will present a variety of special events during the run of "The Black Dahlia" at no additional cost. These include Yale Night on Oct. 17, which features a pre-show discussion with members of the creative team as well as free pizza courtesy of BAR and soft drinks for students from area colleges and universities; Opening Night on Oct. 23, which includes a celebration following the performance at an area restaurant; Re:Play on Saturday, Oct. 25, which features a question-and-answer session with the cast and crew following the matinee performance; and a Senior Matinee on Nov. 5.
Single tickets for the production range in price from $25-$40; senior, student and group rates are also available. In addition, the Yale Rep offers a variety of subscription packages for its 2003-2004 season. Ticket information is available by calling (203) 432-1234; visiting the box office at 1120 Chapel St. (corner of York Street); and online at www.yalerep.org.
The other plays in the Yale Rep's 2003-2004 season are: "Culture Clash in AmeriCCa," Nov. 14-Dec. 6; "Rothschild's Fiddle," Jan. 14-31; "King Lear," Feb. 13-March 13; "The King Stag," March 26-April 17; and "The Mystery Plays," April 30-May 22.
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