Blackbird Star Mike Mulligan Calls Role “One of the Most Challenging of My Career”
The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton Street
March 3-5, 2017
Tickets at tskw.org or 305-296-0458
Blackbird, by David Harrower, winner of London’s 2007 Olivier Award for Best New Play and a recipient of three 2016 Tony nominations, will have its Key West premiere for three nights only March 3, 4 and 5 at The Studios of Key West. The play stars two of Key West’s most prominent actors, Mike Mulligan and Jessica Miano Kruel, in the roles that won their Broadway counterparts Tony nominations. Dennis Zacek, Artistic Director Emeritus of Chicago’s Victory Gardens Theater and a veteran of Fringe Theater Key West, directs.
The play, which Ben Brantley in The New York Times calls a “terrible love story,” begins in a drab office break room, when Una (Jessica Miano Kruel) unexpectedly visits Ray (Mike Mulligan) at his workplace. Fifteen years earlier, when Una was twelve and Ray was in his 40’s, they had a sexual relationship over a period of three months. Now Una has found him, and a devastating confrontation ensues.
“The recent Broadway revival of Blackbird was, despite its challenging subject matter, a darling of the 2016 Broadway season, playing nightly to sold out crowds,” says Erin Stover-Sickmen, Studios’ Artistic Director. “The Studios of Key West, in partnership with producers Dennis Zacek and Mike Mulligan, is thrilled to bring this thoughtful, contemporary production to the community ‑ giving everyone a chance to see a groundbreaking piece of theater ‑ without flying to New York.”
The story unfolds as Ray, having served a prison term, is living as “Peter” to hide his past life. When Una appears again, the identity Ray/Peter has assumed is thrown into jeopardy, and old wounds are torn open.
Mike Mulligan says, “This has been one of the most challenging roles of my career. Ray’s emotional journey is dizzying – from fear and guilt to desire and even love ‑ and Blackbird takes the audience along for the ride.”
Mike Mulligan has been seen on all of Key West’s stages in his successful career as both a dramatic and comedic actor. Among his most well know roles are Salieri in Amadeus, Leonard in Seminar and “F” in Cock as well as numerous musical comedy performances.
“Loosely based on a true story, Blackbird offers roles that challenge and inspire an actor,” director Zacek observes, “Harrower highlights the frailty and desire of two damaged human beings while revealing their souls. I am delighted to be working with Mike and Jessica, two exceptional actors.”
Jessica Miano Kruel has also enjoyed a multifaceted career as a musical comedy actor and dramatic actor. Roles include Catherine in Suddenly Last Summer, Jean in August Osage County and Amanda in Private Lives.
Scarlett McMonigle has also joined the cast. She last appeared in The Lion King, Jr. at The Waterfront.
Blackbird will be performed March 3-5 at The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton Street. Performances are at 8pm on Friday and Saturday March 3 and 4, and 7pm on March 5. Tickets prices are $38 each. Discounts are offered to Studios’ members. VIP tickets, which include reserved seating, are priced at $55 each. Tickets are available through The Studios box office and at tskw.org.
Contact: Elena Devers
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