Press Release

CONVERSATIONS IN CARS

Vancouver, BC… Upcoming at the Beaumont Studio Theatre is the play Autobahn is a collection of short plays full of edgy humour and shocking revelations set in the front seat of automobiles. Written by critically acclaimed playwright and filmmaker Neil LaBute (The Shape of Things, In The Company of Men, Your Friends and Neighbours) Autobahn offers a brutally honest and voyeuristic peek at the things said – and the things left unsaid – from behind the steering wheel. Autobahn runs at the Beaumont Studio Theatre May 23 to June 2.

Creating an opportunity to showcase their talent under the umbrella of a new company called Fighting Change Productions, Ryan Mooney will direct Jessica McBride, Stephan Bohemier, Rebecca Steele, David Benedict Brown, Ashley Rutherford, Sarah Arnold, Robyn Katrenicz, Scott McGrath, Calvin Lee, Dana Salmon, Nicole Fairbairn, Matthew Clarke, and Mark Ferns in Autobaun.

Neil LaBute is an acclaimed playwright, screenwriter and film director. In 1993, he premiered his play In The Company of Men which was then adapted to film, launching his career as a film director. His next film, Your Friends and Neighbors, was based on his earlier play, Lepers. In 2000, Mr. LaBute refocused his attentions to the stage with Bash: Latter-Day Plays, followed by The Shape of Things in 2001 (which he also made into a film), and The Distance from Here in 2002. His 2002 play, The Mercy Seat, was one of the first major theatrical responses to the September 11 terrorist attack. Other plays include Fat Pig (2004) which won the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Off-Broadway Play, Some Girls (2005), and This Is How It Goes (2005).

A CTC and OVATION Award nominated director Ryan Mooney is thrilled to bring Neil Labute's Autobahn to Vancouver. Previous directing experiences have included The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Flower Drum Song, The Mikado, Little Shop of Horrors and David and Lisa. He has directed around town for Metro Theatre, the Vancouver East Cultural Centre, APPLAUSE! Musicals Society, the G&S Society of UBC and the Fraser Valley G&S Society. On stage he has appeared with Uncle Randy Productions, Footlight Theatre, Metro Theatre and North Shore Light Opera Society. Ryan is also a graduate of the Canadian College of Performing Arts.

Autobahn runs at the Beaumont Studios (316 W. 5th Avenue @ Alberta) May 23-June 2. Tickets are $12 for students/seniors and $15 for adults. To reserve tickets: fightingchanceproductions@hotmail.com or call 778-329-1956. Special performances: PWYC May 23rd. Opening Night May 24th. Cast post show talk back May 30th & 31st.