Created, written and performed by Hanna Cheek, Rodney Gardiner, Arian Moayed, Tom Ridgely and Kevin Townley, the work is directed by Tom Ridgely and features original music by Lauren Cregor and choreography by Lynn Peterson.
Previews began Aug. 4. Performances continue to Aug. 26.
*
Waterwell puts its signature irreverent stamp on Eugene O'Neill's lesser-known play about the 13th century travels of Marco Polo.
"Marco Millions (based on lies) is the story of a Westerner encountering the East and the collision of cultures and economies that followed," according to Waterwell. "O'Neill's play was born out of his reaction to the American post-war boom of the 1920s, a time of capitalist triumph and commercial imperialism. It was the time, O'Neill thought, to recognize that the majority of the world didn't necessarily embrace The American Way. He saw history repeating itself." The production features live music, and is billed as "a kaleidoscopic and freewheeling ride that confront head on questions of class and race that are as important now as they were in 1928…or 1271."
In addition to Waterwell ensemble members Hanna Cheek, Rodney Gardiner, Arian Moayed and Tom Ridgely, the cast of also includes Kevin Townley (Shockheaded Peter, John Epperson's My Deah). The company also features musicians Gunter Gruner, Adam Levine and Joe Morse.
The creative team includes set designer Dave Lombard, costume designer Elizabeth Payne, lighting designer Stacey Boggs and sound designer Jessica Paz.
The Lion at Theatre Row is at 410 West 42nd Street.
The performance schedule is Monday and Wednesday through Saturday at 8 PM. Tickets for are $35 and are available through TicketCentral.com at (212) 279-4200.
*
Waterwell was founded in 2001 and has since produced more than 10 productions, most recently the acclaimed production of The Persians . . . a comedy about war with five songs. That production enjoyed a twice-extended run in summer 2005, first at the Theatre Under St. Marks and then at The Perry Street Theatre. The show also recently received three Independent Theatre (IT) Award nominations for Outstanding Production of a Musical, Outstanding Original Music and Outstanding Choreography.
Founded in Bloomington, Indiana, Waterwell debuted in New York in 2002 with performances of Lost in Yemen, or The Bizarre Bazaar at Collective: Unconscious. An adaptation of Fuenteovejuna followed in 2003 at the Duplex Cabaret Theater, followed by the original piece Stuck at the Peoples Improv Theater and the double-bill Chill & Serve at the Ground Floor Theatre. In 2004, after touring Chill & Serve around the tri-state area, Waterwell premiered Sweetness & Light at Altered Stages.
For more information, visit www.waterwell.org.
