Regional NewsOrange Is the New Black Star Michael Harney Premieres His Newest Play In L.A.A collection of six one-acts written by Michael Harney explores the transformative nature of life.
By
Patrick Pizzolorusso
April 19, 2017
Michael Harney
Ed Krieger
Michael Harney, star of Netflix’s Orange Is the New Black, will present the world premiere of his newest work, The Awful Grace Of God, in conjunction with Go The Distance Productions. The collection of six one-act plays explores the human condition and is based on his real-life experiences.
Under the direction of Mark Kemble, the cast is made up of Curtis Belz, Oscar Best, Joseph Bongiovanni, Marie Broderick, Tim DeZarn, Amelia Jackson-Gray, Rebecca Lidvan, Daniel Litz, Marshall McCabe, Agatha Nowicki, Bechir Sylvain, Janine Venable, Ilia Volok, James Harvey Ward, and Johnny Whitworth.
Daniel Litz and Rebecca Lidvan
Ed Krieger
The six one-acts examine various aspects of humanity, including coping with loss, suffering in the face of great adversity, addiction, and the power of love to triumph over all obstacles.
Playwright and actor Harney said of the piece, “Once I finished writing them, I looked back and realized these are about transformative suffering. They’re about the human condition and the different challenges we face through suffering in our lives. They’re about how suffering transforms us. They’re about hope. They’re truly about love, in their essence.”
Director Mark Kemble stated, “With a strong cast and a team of exceptional designers on board, I expect this production will be very special. I am happy to be collaborating again with my friend and colleague Michael Harney on this new adventure.”
The six pieces included in the play are: Surrender, Through, Off,The Long Walk Home,Willy And Rose, and Need.
The plays are left somewhat open-ended, allowing for the audience to fill in the rest based on their own personal experiences. Harney said of this, “these plays are not tied up into a nice package with a bow on top. They’re disheveled at times.”
The production begins previews April 21; it will open April 28 and run through May 28. The theatre is located at The Other Space at the Actors Company (916A North Formosa Avenue). For more information, visit Plays411.com.
