With Matthew Modine playing a role he is unequivocally perfect for (a fictionalized version of himself), one can imagine the casting challenge for the rest of the characters in the Geffen Playhouse's upcoming production of Matthew Modine Saves the Alpacas. But - barring having identical names to the characters they play - the Geffen Playhouse's cast includes a troupe of comedians befitting their satirical roles.
Peri Gilpin, best known for her stint as Roz on NBC's Frasier, takes on the role of Whimberly North - Matthew'spiquant publicist; and French Stewart, best known as Harry Solomon on Third Rock from the Sun, plays dual roles as Whimberly's ubiquitous assistant Jeffrey, as well as the bungling United Nations Ambassador Perrier du Pierre Jouet. Other cast members include Reggie De Leon, Mark Damon Espinoza and Mark Fiteplaying a range of roles from a Chimborrazzi tribesman to Matthew Modine's Conscience; one actor still remains to be cast and will be announced shortly.
"To have Matthew Modine, one of the greatest (and dare I say, underappreciated) actors of our generation,surrounded by comic geniuses like Peri Gilpin and French Stewart, is the most phenomenal gift a playwright could ever receive," said playwright Blair Singer. "I do not deserve a cast this exceptional; that said, I'm not giving them back." Written by Blair Singer and directed by John Rando, this rollicking comedy tells the plight of Matthew Modine - a celebrity desperately in need of getting back in the limelight. He needs a Cause. Luckily (for him), there is a rare breed of Chimborazzi Alpacas on the verge of extinction in the mountains of Ecuador. So Matthew jets down south to resurrect the alpacas - and, more importantly, his career. After all, desperate times call for desperate celebrities.
A world premiere production, Matthew Modine Saves the Alpacas is a satire in which no one is left unscathed. Matthew Modine Saves the Alpacas runs through Oct 18 on the Geffen Playhouse's main stage. As the first play of the 09/10 season, this is also the first play with the Geffen Playhouse's new curtain times for its 09/10 season: performances Tuesday through Saturday evening will begin at 8pm; Sunday evening will begin at 7pm; Saturday matinee at 3pm and Sunday matinee at 2pm.
Ticket Info Tickets ($35 to $74) are on sale now at the Geffen Playhouse box office, online at GeffenPlayhouse.com, via credit card phone order at (310) 208-5454, at all Ticketmaster outlets, or by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Student rush tickets are available one hour prior to curtain for $15.
REGGIE DE LEON (Angel) Favorite roles include Bun Foo in Thoroughly Modern Millie (Sacramento Music Circus), LeFou in the west coast regional premiere of "Disney's Beauty and the Beast" (California Theatre), Horton the Elephant in Seussical and Toad in A Year with Frog and Toad with MainStreet Theatre Company at the Lewis Family Playhouse, and Sancho in Man of La Mancha all over the southland. Film and TV credits include Free Radio (VH1), My Own Worst Enemy(NBC), The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson (CBS), national commercials, and the upcoming indie short Hip Hop Head. Reggie holds a BA from USC and an MA from Cal State LA.
MARK ESPINOZA (Santos Panchos) Audiences may best remember Mark as Jesse from 90210; or as Carlos, Kelly Bundy's clueless boyfriend on Married With Children, but recently Mark has been seen as any number of cranky cops and blood-sucking priests. Credits include series regular, recurring characters and guest spots on episodic television; including most recently, The Mentalist and Without A Trace, as well as feature films. A variety of award-winning regional theaters across the country have also provided a place to play. The acclaimed Goodman Theatre in Chicago, San Diego's Old Globe and Portland Center Stage are among favorites. Webisodes include Gemini Division and the upcoming Chapin Circle. On occasion you'll hear him warble a tune in a variety of cabaret venues, international stages, Irish bars and shower stalls...the latter reserved for private audiences.
