“Sunday in the Park with George” at The Chance Theater shines a light on a masterpiece and dives into the mind of a groundbreaking artist

As its fifth production in its 9th Anniversary Season, The Chance Theater is pleased to present Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s musical masterpiece “Sunday in the Park with George,” the 1985 winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, from August 3 through September 16. The play is directed by The Chance Theater’s Artistic Director Oanh Nguyen, who helmed last year’s Back Stage West Critic’s Pick production of “Into The Woods”.

In 1981, legendary Broadway composer Stephen Sondheim had announced his intention to leave the musical theatre to write mystery novels, librettist James Lapine reversed his decision after the two were inspired by Seurat’s A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte. In discussing the painting, Lapine noted that no one was looking at each other and that there was one major figure was missing from the canvas: the artist himself. These observations provided the springboard for the creation of “Sunday in the Park with George”, and the production evolved into a meditation on the art of creation and the creation of art.

“Sunday in the Park with George” opened on Broadway on May 2, 1984 and ran for over 400 performances. It went on to receive multiple Tony Award nominations, win the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, and be given the Pulitzer Prize for Drama (only the sixth time a musical had won). “Sunday in the Park with George” will return to Broadway in 2008 at the Roundabout Theatre, featuring many members of the recent award-winning London revival.

Director Oanh Nguyen, who is also the Artistic Director and co-founder of The Chance, is relishing the opportunity to re-image the musical for an intimate space. “This play is filled with such grand ideas, imagery, and music, that it has been an amazing process re-envisioning it as an intimate theatrical experience. I believe that the audience that comes to see this production will find new shades and colors in the story and characters. While holding on to the beauty and magic of this piece, the intimacy of this production will allow you to further understand the characters’ relationships and desires.”
The cast features Chance Theater Resident Company Members: Alex Bueno, Jonathon Lamer, Casey Long, Sarah

Moreau, Bob Simpson and Lowe Taylor. Joining them is Sherry Domerego, Daniel Berlin, Micaela DeLauro, Patrick Kelly, Tanya Mironowski, Sarah Pierce, Bryan Seastrom and Mary Wilson. Understudies are Chance Company Member, Erika C. Miller and newcomer Ashleigh Arnone.
If you would like to arrange an interview with the director, cast, would like more information, reservations or complimentary press passes, please call 714-777-3033.

About The Chance Theater
A recent recipient of the 2007 Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle (LADCC) Polly Warfield Award for Excellence, The Chance Theater is now in its Ninth Anniversary Season. A vital component of The Chance Theater’s mission has always been to intimately present personally meaningful, uniquely engaging stories that promote dialogue within our community and provide a visceral experience for theatergoers. As a constituent member of Theater Communications Group (TCG) and Network of Ensemble Theaters (NET), The Chance continues to bring national attention to Southern California theater through its recent achievement. In addition to the recent LADCC Award, The Chance has also received a 2006 GLAAD Media Award nomination for Outstanding Los Angeles Theater; recognition as the 2004 Arts Orange County Outstanding Arts Organization; and participated in the 365 Days/365 Plays National Theater Project.
“SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE” PERFORMANCE & TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets: $25 - $22
Performances: August 3 – September 16, 2007; Thu., Fri. Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m.
Preview - Thursday, August 2 at 8 p.m.; includes post-performance talkback
Opening Gala - Friday, August 3 at 8 p.m.; includes catered reception
For Information and to Purchase Tickets:
CALL: (714) 777-3033
WEBSITE: www.chancetheater.com
THE CHANCE THEATER: 5552 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim, CA 92807