Ruddy Productions presents

ORION
A new play by MATTHEW McLACHLAN

Featuring

MANDA JONES, BLAKE MERRIMAN, SIMONE SERRA, and SCOTT BRIEDEN

Directed by JOSHUA WARR
Stage Manager/Board Op: EMILY THALER
Lighting Designer: CHRISTOPHER ANNAS-LEE
Scenic Designer: ALAINA HERNANDEZ
Associate Scenic Designer: VALERIE DURST
Composer: ENOCH PORCH
Set Construction: MARK PEHANICH
Contributing Artists: JOHN OFORI and JOE MARTIN
Production Manager: KATIE HEALY
House Manager: CALEB LANE

Studio Theatre at Theatre Row
410 West 42nd Street (between Ninth & Tenth Avenues)
212-239-6200 or www.telecharge.com
February 14 – March 4, 2017

Matthew McLachlan’s new play, ORION, features Amanda Jones, Blake Merriman, Simone Serra, and Scott Brieden. Why am I telling you this first? Because the acting is superb, and each cast member breathes life into their authentic-yet-delightful characters as they explore every aspect of relationships. Sam (Merriman) and Gwen (Jones) are breaking up after a three-year involvement. Sam’s best friend Scott (Brieden) and his girlfriend Abby (Serra) have already experienced their breakup but managed to put it all back together. Will Sam and Gwen be able to do the same thing, and do they even want to? Thanks to clever scenic designs by Alaina Hernandez, we follow these two couples from apartments and parks to bars and hotels as they attempt to answer these questions.

In ORION the constant battles between head and heart, past and present, memories and rationalizations, and needs versus desires are emphasized. Add timing and chance to those conflicts, and it is a wonder that any of us ever get together. Ah, but we do, and that is the beauty of McLachlan’s work. In a celebration of love, ORION attests to the power of connection, the resiliency of the human spirit, and the eternal hope that we can couple with someone who will accompany us on our journey. Put this play in your journey; you won’t be disappointed.

- Laurie Lawson -