RED to Play Dallas Theater Center, Feb 7-March 24

Dallas Theater Center welcomes North Texans into the studio of artist Mark Rothko in the Texas premiere of Tony Award-winning Red, directed by DTC associate artistic director Joel Ferrell. This production turns the 9th floor of the Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre into Rothko's studio and gives audience members an intimate look at the brilliant and volatile artist as he undertakes a new commission. This show also marks the first production-specific collaboration between DTC and the Dallas Museum of Art, which will provide patrons and visitors the opportunity to learn about the world of Rothko by seeing the play at DTC, viewing original works of art by Rothko and his contemporaries at the DMA and engaging in special events about the work with both organizations. Red opens with preview performances on Thursday, February 7 and runs through Sunday, March 24 and is the first show ever to be performed on the 9th floor of the Wyly Theatre. Tickets for Red are on sale now at www.DallasTheaterCenter.org or by phone at (214) 880-0202.

"DTC's production of Red is a truly unique theatrical experience, from the collaborative partnership with the Dallas Museum of Art to the exploration of a unique, immersive theatrical design that will place the audience up close and personal with great actors playing great roles" says DTC artistic director Kevin Moriarty. "The dialogue sparked by this production will extend outside the walls of the Wyly Theatre and continue at the DMA and in the surrounding community."

Brierley Resident Acting Company member Kieran Connolly (The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity, Next Fall, Dividing the Estate) stars as the temperamental Rothko, who is in the process of painting a series of murals set to appear in New York's exclusive Four Seasons restaurant. Making his DTC debut is Jordan Brodess as Ken, Rothko's new and boldly skeptical assistant.

"The very nature of John Logan's story-a man questioning what it means to be an artist and his place in history-allows the audience an intimate experience with this artistic giant," says Ferrell. "This play depicts a person who consistently felt marginalized and underappreciated, a person whose terrifying presence was likely the result of the great amount of tragedy in his life. Rothko communicated this in his work and, as a result, his paintings require close, uncomfortable inspection. We have created that feeling for the audience by placing them in the action of Rothko's studio. Patrons will have no choice but to focus on and deal with Rothko's inner turmoil."

Bob Lavallee (The Second City Does Dallas; Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, A Christmas Carol) created a studio space in which there is no clear delineation between the playing space and the audience space. From the moment patrons enter the 9th floor, they will be immersed in the artist's studio. The physical elements of the set will include the ceiling, walls and floors of the performance space and will not be limited to a standard proscenium or thrust arrangement. Working with Lavallee are Jennifer Ables, Aaron Johansen and Nate Flanagan on costume design, lighting design and sound design, respectively.

DTC is also working with neighboring Arts District organization, the DMA, in an exciting collaboration, which includes public events and pre and post show learning opportunities beginning with an Arts & Letters Live program on January 17. Other elements of the collaboration include Red InDepth, a four-hour afternoon seminar on Saturday, February 23, which will take place at both the Wyly Theatre and the DMA, and DTC's Come Early and Stay Late programs.

Red begins previews on Thursday, February 7 at 7:30pm with a Pay-What-You-Can performance. Tickets to this performance will be available for purchase online at www.DallasTheaterCenter.org beginning Friday, February 1. Any unsold tickets to the PWYC performance will be available for purchase at the Wyly Theatre box office the night of the show. DTC's Come Early sponsored by Wells Fargo will take place one hour before every performance. Patrons will have the opportunity to learn about the play prior to viewing the production. DTC's Dr. Pepper Snapple Stay Late will take place after each performance. Patrons will have the opportunity to engage with artists, learn about the production and share insights about the play in a lively discussion. Details for Come Early and Stay Late are available online. Tickets for Red are on sale now. Ticket prices start at $15 and are available online at www.DallasTheaterCenter.org or by phone at (214) 880-0202. Please note that all seating for Red is General Admission and there will be no late seating for this production.

More Articles by This Author...