Bob Hess, Mary Lang, Brandon J. Murphy and More Set for JULIA PASTRANA, Now thru 11/18

Amphibian Stage Productions previously announced casting for its next main stage production, The True History of the Tragic Life and Triumphant Death of Julia Pastrana, the Ugliest Woman in the World by Shaun Prendergast. Bob Hess, Mary Lang, Brandon J. Murphy, Chandler Smith, and Jessica Vera will star in a new production of this powerful play running tonight, October 25 through November 18 at the Berlene T. and Jarrell R. Milburn Theatre at 120 South Main Street. This production will be the first in Amphibian's new home in the Near Southside neighborhood of Fort Worth.

Directing this new production is Amphibian Stage Productions Artistic Associate Jonathan Fielding. Mr. Fielding was featured in The Cast of Amphibian's 2003 U.S. premiere of the play, and he returns now to lead the new cast. In addition to Julia Pastrana, Mr. Fielding has been seen in a number of Amphibian productions, including Vigil in 2011, La Llorona in 2010, and Below the Belt in 2006. This will be his first time directing for The company.

DFW-based actor Brandon J. Murphy starred in Amphibian's 2011 hit, Wittenberg, garnering an award from Fort Worth Weekly for his performance. Chandler Smith has appeared in two of Amphibian's staged readings at The Modern, most recently The King's Face earlier this year. Bob Hess, Mary Lang, and Jessica Vera are making their Amphibian debuts in this production.

Performed entirely in the dark, Julia Pastrana is the powerful tale of a woman made famous as "The Ugliest Woman in the World." Audiences are transported through sound, smell, and touch into Julia's world of travelling circuses and sideshow phenomena. Dragged across oceans by her husband, the circus ringleader, Julia searches wherever she goes for the love and beauty she believes life has in store for her. Julia Pastrana, based on a true story, shows us the real face of beauty, without ever letting us see a thing.

The True History of the Tragic Life and Triumphant Death of Julia Pastrana, the Ugliest Woman in the World will run October 25 through November 18 in the Berlene T. and Jarrell R. Milburn Theatre at Amphibian Stage Productions. Performances begin at 8 PM on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays and at 2 PM on Sundays. The theatre is located at 120 South Main Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76104.

Tickets for Julia Pastrana are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors, and $15 for students. For tickets and more information, theatergoers may call 817-923-3012, email boxoffice@amphibianproductions.org, or visit www.amphibianproductions.org.

Shaun Prendergast (Playwright) is a British actor and writer, who has written extensively for the stage, television, radio, and film. His plays include Potter's Wheel, The Firefawn Trilogy, and A Fine and Private Place. His writing for television includes "The Lightning Kid," "Rocket Man," "Soldier, Soldier," "Eastenders," and "Equinox." Shaun trained at Bretton Hall College in Great Britain.

Jonathan Fielding (Director) last appeared at Amphibian in the 2011 production of Vigil, as well as in La Llorona in 2010, Below the Belt in 2006, The True History of the Tragic Life and Triumphant Death of Julia Pastrana, the Ugliest Woman in the World in 2003, and Leonce and Lena in 2002. His Broadway credits include Pygmalion starring Claire Danes, The Seagull with Kristin Scott Thomas, and Stage Door. Jonathan has also appeared on ABC's "All My Children" and CBS's "Guiding Light." Jonathan received his B.F.A. from Texas Christian University and his M.F.A. from Rutgers.

Bob Hess (Lent and ensemble) is a Dallas-based actor who has worked at a number of North Texas theaters. His recent credits include To Kill A Mockingbird and It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's Superman at Dallas Theater Center, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at Uptown Players, Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks at Theatre Three, and The Goat or Who Is Sylvia? at Kitchen Dog Theatre. Bob received his B.A. from the University of Kentucky and his M.F.A. from Trinity University.

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