JoBeth Williams To Star In Charles Randolph-Wright's THE NIGHT IS A CHILD At Pasadena Playhouse 8/28 - 10/4

Pasadena Playhouse (Sheldon Epps, Artistic Director, Stephen Eich, Executive Director, Tom Ware, Producing Director) today announced full casting for the West Coast Premiere of THE NIGHT IS A CHILD, a new play by Charles Randolph-Wright. Sheldon Epps (Pasadena Playhouse Artistic Director), who directed Pasadena Playhouse's production of Ray Charles Live!, directs a cast of six led by JoBeth Williams (The Big Chill and Poltergeist). Preview performances begin August 28 with the official press opening set for Friday, September 4 at Pasadena Playhouse (39 South El Molino Avenue, Pasadena).

THE NIGHT IS A CHILD draws on magical realism, Samba, and the cultural pulse of Brazil to tell the tale of one mother and her family, as they seek understanding, redemption and acceptance after a tragedy leaves them torn apart. Ultimately, it's a story of healing, hope and letting go.

"I am so happy to be directing this fascinating play by one of my favorite collaborators and a respected and valuable colleague. Charles has created a dynamic and colorful tapestry for this moving and incredibly topical story," said Sheldon Epps. "We've been able to bring together a tremendous cast, which will be superbly led by JoBeth Williams, an actress who I've long hoped would grace the stage of the Playhouse. I know that she and her equally gifted cast members will deliver this play with great skill and passion for the material. I look forward to a rewarding artistic journey with this material and this fine company of actors."

JoBeth Williams, who will portray Harriet Eason, leads the cast of six including: Monette Magrath as Jane (World Premiere of The Night is A Child at Milwaukee Repertory Theatre and the West Coast Premiere of Mauritius at Pasadena Playhouse, Armando McClain as Henrique (Hamlet at Theater150), Maceo Oliver as Joel (World Premiere of Ray Charles Live! and Cuttin' Up both at Pasadena Playhouse), Tyler Pierce as Brian Easton (World Premiere of The Night is A Child at Milwaukee Repertory Theatre), Sybyl Walker as Bia Ferrera (The Original Company of From the Mississippi Delta).

THE NIGHT IS A CHILD opened at the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre in March 2008. The production was developed at Pasadena Playhouse's Hot House New Play Development Program in March 2006.

THE NIGHT IS A CHILD plays at Pasadena Playhouse, 39 South El Molino Avenue in Pasadena. Performances begin August 28 and play through October 4, with the official press opening on Friday, September 4. Performance schedule is Tuesday through Friday at 8:00 p.m.; Saturday at 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.; and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Schedule notes: There will be no performances on Saturday, August 29 at 4:00 p.m.; Tuesday, September 1 at 8:00 p.m.; Tuesday, September 8 at 8:00 p.m.; Wednesday, September 16 at 8:00 p.m.; and Wednesday, September 23 at 8:00 p.m. There will be one matinee performance on Wednesday, September 23 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets range from $32.00 - $67.00. Tickets are available by calling the Pasadena Playhouse at 626-356-7529 by visiting the Pasadena Playhouse Box Office, open from 12:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. daily excluding holidays and online at www.Pasadenaplayhouse.org. Group Sales (15 or more) are available by calling 626-737-2851.

Photo Credit: Peter James Zielinski