FIND MUSIC AND AMORE IN IRT’S APPOGGIATURA

Effervescent, magical and remarkably funny, this play hits all the right notes

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Indianapolis--Appoggiatura, a play written by four-time Pulitzer Prize nominee and IRT Playwright-in-Residence, James Still, will premiere on the Indiana Repertory Theatre’s (IRT) OneAmerica Mainstage from March 7-31. Appoggiatura, part of a three-play series including The House That Jack Built (2012-2013) and Miranda (2016-2017), will not only make its Indiana premiere, but will also mark the first time all three plays have been produced at a single theater.

“We continue celebrating James’ work and commitment to our theatre for 20 seasons by producing a beautiful play of his that Indiana audiences have not yet experienced,” said Janet Allen, IRT’s Executive Artistic Director, sharing that it was commissioned by and had its world-premiere at the Denver Center, and was a crowd favorite at the Colorado New Play Summit. “Appoggiatura expresses the breadth and depth of his career as a writer and we’re excited to present more of his diverse work to our audiences.”

Appoggiatura, a musical term meaning ‘to lean,’ shares the story of one unique family, Helen (Susan Pellegrino), Aunt Chuck (Tom Aulino), and Sylvie (Andrea San Miguel), who, due to the recent loss of a loved one, travel to Venice in search of healing and happiness. Charming humor and sparkling realism collide, as the characters find themselves—quite literally—in the winding streets and canals of the floating city.

"The play takes place on one summer day where three generations of an American family discover Venice is a city of mystery and music, where dogs can sing and being lost turns out to be the only way to be found, said Still. “Appoggiatura is a play where heartache is transformed by the present running into the past."

Appoggiatura, weaves a quirky and lyrical narrative of love, loss and the human soul by featuring three musicians on the accordion (Katrina Yaukey), violin (Andrew Mayer) and guitar (Paul Deboy), and an endearing Italian tour guide, Marco (Casey Hoekstra).

“It is a great privilege to serve as director of this play and to create things that can only take place in a theatrical space,” said Appoggiatura Director Peter Amster. “It’s very satisfying to tell stories of a multi-generational family including those my age, who were once young people finding their way.” 
 
Travel alongside the IRT to Venice where hearts leap, time bends and the city works its wonders in a magical play that’s filled with music and amore. Tickets start at $25, learn more at irtlive.com. 
 
Two of Still’s plays--Appoggiatura and Looking Over the President’s Shoulder—will be produced in the 2017-2018 to celebrate his 20th season as IRT’s Playwright-in-Residence. ​


DETAILS
 
What: Appoggiatura
When: March 7-31
Where: Indiana Repertory Theatre, 140 W. Washington Street
Expected Run Time: 2 hours, and includes one 15-minute intermission
Age: Recommended for patrons 9th grade and older

CALENDAR

March 7, 2018 at 6:30 PM
March 8, 2018 at 7:30 PM
March 9, 2018 at 7:30 PM—Opening Night
March 10, 2018 at 5 PM
March 11, 2018 at 2 PM
March 13, 2018 at 7:30 PM
March 17, 2018 at 5 PM
March 17, 2018 at 9 PM
March 18, 2018 at 2 PM—ASL/AD + IRTea Talk
March 22, 2018 at 7:30 PM—Backstage Tour
March 23, 2018 at 7:30 PM
March 24, 2018 at 4 PM
March 24, 2018 at 8 PM—Post-show Discussion
March 25, 2018 at 2 PM
March 25, 2018 at 6 PM
March 27, 2018 at 6:30 PM—Happy Hour
March 28, 2018 at 7:30 PM
March 29, 2018 at 2 PM—Cookies and Coffee
March 29, 2018 at 7:30 PM
March 30, 2018 at 7:30 PM
March 31, 2018 at 1 PM

SPECIAL EVENTS

Friday, March 9, performance at 7:30 p.m. | Opening Night
Join the IRT for opening night and experience the theatre like you never have before! Join cast, staff and patrons in the lobby for appetizers and a celebratory champagne toast following the performance, then step on stage and explore the set and connect with the artisans who bring it to life.  

Sunday, March 18, performance at 2:00 p.m. | IRTea Talk & ASL/AD
This Sunday matinee post-show discussion is paired with tea and cookies immediately following the performance. Post-show discussions typically last for 20 minutes.  

Thursday, March 22, performance at 7:30 p.m. | Backstage Tour
Immediately following this performance, join IRT staff for an explorative and informative backstage tour. Tours typically last 30 minutes.  

Saturday, March 24, performance at 8:00 p.m. | Post-Show Discussion
Join us for a post-show discussion that covers a variety of interesting topics related to the show. Post-show discussions typically last for 20 minutes. 

Tuesday, March 27, performance at 6:30 p.m. | Happy Hour
Enjoy complimentary appetizers from our Happy Hour series sponsor Weber Grill. New Day Craft, Hotel Tango, Taxman Brewing Co., TwoDEEP, and St. Joseph Brewery will be on site for patrons to sample local libations. Half-price drinks will be available throughout the performance.  Come early—Happy Hour starts at 5:30 p.m., the performance begins at 6:30 p.m. Happy Hour is included with ticket purchase.

Thursday, March 29, performance at 2 p.m. | Cookies and Coffee
Coffee, tea and cookies can be enjoyed before this matinee performance. Doors open at 1 p.m., the performance starts at 2 p.m.

CAST & THE CREATIVE TEAM--CLICK HERE FOR BIOS

For more information contact Carolyne Holcomb, Marketing Communications Manager at cholcomb@irtlive.com or 317.916.4824

ABOUT THE IRT

Founded in 1971, the IRT is the largest and professional not-for-profit theatre in the state and one of the leading regional theatres in the country. The mission of the Indiana Repertory Theatre is to produce top-quality, professional theatre, and engage, surprise, challenge and entertain people throughout their lifetimes, helping us build a vital and vibrant community. 

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