HELLO AMERICA!—The Blank Theatre (Daniel Henning, Founding Artistic Director; Noah Wyle, Artistic Producer) has scheduled for their first production of its 24th season The Why by Victor Kaufold, directed by Henning. The engagement will run through October 19.
The Why is a fast-paced tragicomedy — one part modern satire one part honest investigation. The central story concerns Robert, an American teenager guilty of murdering three of his classmates in a school shooting. Spliced among the dramatic exchanges between Robert and his assigned social worker, a parade of fantastical stereotypes storms in and out, creating a dichotomy between moments of hilarity and sorrow. Confronted by disturbingly accurate exaggerations of the tabloid-like modern media, the audience is made to laugh and then question that laughter.
The cast will feature (in alphabetical order) Ben Crowley, Nicholas Cutro, Jen Landon, and Jeff Witzke. The design team includes Martha Carter (lighting), Sarah Kalb (costumes), and Rebecca Kessin (sound). The stage manager is Samantha Else. Sarah Allyn Bauer serves as producer.
Said Blank Artistic Producer Noah Wyle, “The Why is a truly original take on a very serious and very complex subject: what is happening to the youth ofAmerica? Why are kids killing each other? Who or what is to blame? Through blended styles, mixed media, and a constant shifting between drama, farce, satire, and melodrama, The Why seems to offer an answer. Or at least it manages to debunk several popular theories being touted by ‘experts’ in the media. Its continued relevance is frightening.”
Playwright Victor Kaufold was just 19 years old when he wrote The Why, which was a Blank Theatre Young Playwrights Festival winner. Later produced on The Blank’s main stage, Kaufold received an LA STAGE Alliance Ovation Award nomination for World Premiere Play, the youngest person ever to do so.
Admission prices are $25—$30 (student price is $20; must show valid ID), and tickets may be purchased online at www.TheBlank.com or via phone at (323) 661-9827 or (323) 661-9827. The Blank’s 2nd Stage Theatre is located at 6500 Santa Monica Boulevard (at Wilcox), in Hollywood.
