Jungle TheaterÂ's IN THE NEXT ROOM Opens 11/2

For its 2012 season closer, the Jungle Theater presents the regional premiere of IN THE NEXT ROOM (or The Vibrator Play), one of Broadway's latest mega-hits.  This 2010 Tony-nominated comedy about marriage, intimacy and electricity is directed by Sarah Rasmussen, who worked with playwright Sarah Ruhl (The Clean House, Eurydice) on the original Broadway production. Set in the Victorian era, just before corseted women shed their inhibitions, this funny, smart and provocative play concerns the early history of the vibrator, when doctors used it as a clinical device to treat women for "hysteria."  In the Next Room opens November 2 and runs through December 16 at the Lyn-Lake theater at 2951 Lyndale Avenue S., in Minneapolis. 

 

In his prim upper class home, Dr. Givings (John Middleton) begins treating his patients with an experimental electric apparatus.  But as the strange buzzing sounds from his office grow louder, Mrs. Givings (Christina Baldwin) feels compelled to investigate – even if it means throwing over domesticity for desire.  Ranging from tender to farcical, In the Next Room ponders marriage and intimacy, and how electricity came along to fuse them.

 

In addition to Middleton and Baldwin, In the Next Room features an all-star cast:  Annie Enneking (Annie), Bradley Greenwald (Mr. Daldry), Emily Gunyou-Halaas (Sabrina Daldry), Ryan Underbakke (Leo Irving) and Austene Van (Elizabeth). 

 

Artistic Director Bain Boehlke said, "Sarah Rasmussen comes to the Jungle as one of the rising new directorial stars on the American theater scene.  The theater's design staff and I are excited about working with her on this extraordinary new play, which we're sure is going to be a crowd-pleaser."

 

Rasmussen, who is making her Jungle debut, said, "I welcome the opportunity to bring a new play, written by a celebrated contemporary female playwright with fully realized roles for women, to the Jungle stage!"

 

Boehlke, known for his intricate attention to detail, is serving as scenic designer.  Said Rasmussen, "In the Next Room, with its authentic and elaborate Victorian set, perfectly fits the Jungle's aesthetic and expertise.  It's a gift to be able to collaborate with Bain on this production."

 

The creative team also includes 2012 Ivey Award-winning Barry Browning (lighting design), Brooklyn-based Moria Sine Clinton (costume design), Sean Healey (sound designer), Andrea Moriarty (wig design), John Novak (stage manager and props) and John Stillwell (technical director).

 

In the Next Room performances are Tuesdays ($20), Wednesdays ($28) and Thursdays ($33) at 7:30 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. ($38); Sundays at 2 p.m. ($33); and Sundays at 7:30 p.m. ($28). Senior, student and group discounts are also available, and half-price rush tickets are available every night of the week 30 minutes prior to the performance for $10 off the regular price. Tickets are available at (612) 822-7063 or online at www.jungletheater.com