For Immediate Release: December 12, 2005
Media Contact: Jessica Calter, Arden Theatre Company, 215.922.8900 x22

Arden Theatre Company presents the world premiere of Opus, the latest play from Philadelphia playwright Michael Hollinger. Directed by Arden Producing Artistic Director, Terrence J. Nolen, Opus will begin previews on Thursday, January 12; open Tuesday, January 17 and run through Sunday, March 5.

Violist turned playwright, Michael Hollinger returns to his first passion with Opus capturing all the richness and power of any great piece of music in a play. With only a few days to rehearse Beethoven's Opus 131, a world-renowned string quartet struggles to prepare for their highest-profile performance. Their rehearsal room becomes a pressure cooker as passions rise, personalities clash, and the players are forced to confront the ephemeral nature of their life's work. Opus is the latest in Hollinger's impressive list of plays including An Empty Plate in the Café Du Grand Beouf, Incorruptible, Red Herring, and Tooth and Claw. Two time Barrymore Award-winner and Philadelphia favorite, Greg Wood (Death of a Salesman, Daedalus), will return to the Arden for his first Hollinger role. Also joining the cast are David Whalen, last seen in Philadelphia Theatre Company's Barrymore Award-winning Take Me Out, Douglas Rees, Patrick McNulty and Erika Cuenca.

A graduate of Oberlin Conservatory of Music, Michael Hollinger is a classically trained violist who later became captivated by playwrighting. He received his masters in theatre at Villanova University, where he is now an assistant professor. After receiving multiple honors for his plays including a Barrymore Award for Outstanding New Play, Opus returns him to his first passion. "As a musician," Hollinger says, "I tend to think of my plays as compositions: characters are instruments, scenes are movements; tempo, rhythm, and dynamics are critical..."

Director Terrence J. Nolen is excited to work with long-time collaborator Michael Hollinger on their sixth world premiere. "Hollinger's insight of the human spirit has always been an inspiration to me. It is truly a joy to do any of his work," said Nolen.

Opus is set to the majestic backdrop of Beethoven's Opus 131. Sound designer Jorge Cousineau partnered with a student string quartet from Curtis Institute of Music to create an original recording for the Arden's production that will continue to accompany the play in subsequent runs.

Opus is presented in association with City Theatre Company and begins previews on Thursday, January 12; opens Tuesday, January 17; and runs through Sunday, March 5. Ticket prices ranges from $27 to $45 and may be purchased by calling the Arden Box Office at 215.922.1122, online at www.ardentheatre.org, or by visiting the box office at 40 N. 2nd Street in Philadelphia.

The Arden's Young Professionals Circle will have a pre-show reception featuring guests from The Chamber Music Society on Thursday, February 9. The Arden will host College Night on Thursday, February 2. College Night features $10 tickets for college students with valid student ID. Post-show discussions are scheduled on Thursday, January 26; Sunday, February 5; Thursday, February 15; and Sunday, February 19. Discounted group rates are available.

The Arden is accessible to people with disabilities, including wheelchair accessibility, assisted listening devices and large print programs at every performance. Accessible seating is available by reservation. For more information, call the Arden Box Office at 215.922.1122.

WHERE:
Arcadia Stage
Arden Theatre Company
40 N. 2nd Street, Philadelphia

WHEN:
January 12 – March 5, 2006

REVIEWING PRESS: Will receive invitations to the opening night performance of Opus on Tuesday, January 17, 2006 at 7pm.

Other members of the press: Are invited to see the show during the first week of the run (Wednesday, January 18– Tuesday, January 24) by scheduling tickets through the Director of Community Relations at 215.922.8900 x49 or jcalter@ardentheatre.org.

WHO:
Written by Michael Hollinger
Directed by Terrence J. Nolen
Scenic Design by James Kronzer
Costume Design by Michael McAleers
Lighting Design by Andrew David Ostrowski
Sound Design by Jorge Cousineau

Cast
Erika Cuenca as Grace
Patrick McNulty as Elliott
Douglas Rees as Carl
David Whalen as Dorian
Greg Wood as Alan

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