For Immediate Release: February 16, 2006
Media Contact: Tom Miller, Walnut Street Theatre, 215.574.3555

The 2006 Walnut Street Theatre Independence Studio on 3 season continues with Forrest: A Riot of Dreams, a story of epic proportions surrounding the times, triumphs and trials of America’s first superstar of the stage, Edwin Forrest. Directed by Bill Van Horn, Forrest: A Riot of Dreams will begin on March 14, open on March 16 and close on April 2. Tickets are $26 and are now available at 215-574-3550.

Philadelphian Edwin Forrest was America’s first real superstar. Fans were so passionate about his performances of Shakespeare, riots ensued when rival English actor William Macready dared to perform Macbeth in New York City. In Forrest: A Riot of Dreams, new battle lines are drawn as Forrest seeks to divorce his wife, the cool and reserved Catherine Sinclair. Members of the media guide us through the ups and downs of this sensational trial, weaving from the couple’s first meeting in 1830’s London through to the end of their tempestuous relationship fifteen years later. Edwin Forrest, titan of the stage, overcame many struggles during his life. In Forrest: A Riot of Dreams, we see Mr. Forrest take on his greatest challenge: his wife.

2006 marks the 200th birthday of Edwin Forrest, and the Walnut is doing it’s part to celebrate the life and accomplishments of this giant of the stage. In addition to Forrest: A Riot of Dreams, the Walnut is featuring Edwin Forrest throughout the 2005-2006 season with a lifetime retrospective exhibit on Mr. Forrest, his origins, cultural impact, and continuing legacy. Numerous artifacts are on display, including original Matthew Brady photographs, 19th century pop culture items featuring Mr. Forrest as well as many items used by the man himself throughout his lifetime in the theatre.

In addition to his contributions to the American stage, Forrest set aside a majority of his vast estate to establish a retirement home for actors who were too ill, infirmed or aged to work. Thanks to Edwin Forrest’s philanthropic spirit, the Actor’s Fund Home in Englewood, NJ continues to care for aging performing artists 130 years later. This March, the Walnut Street Theatre, (in conjunction with the Theatre Alliance of Philadelphia and the Actor’s Fund) is spearheading a donation campaign for the Actor’s Fund so that it may continue to do it’s great work. Over a dozen theatres (and counting) will hold donation drives after performances on March 9th, with all proceeds going to the Actor’s Fund.

For a number of years the Edwin Forrest Society has held a celebration and wreath laying at the grave of Mr. Forrest on his birthday. This year is no different. A reception will be held at the Walnut on March 9, with members of the Actor’s Fund and the Edwin Forrest Society in attendance. Actress Zoe Caldwell will serve as the chairperson for the proceedings. In honor of Mr. Forrest’s 200th birthday, The city of Philadelphia has declaired March 9th “Edwin Forrest Day.

The 2005 Edwin Forrest Playwrighting Competition was announced by the Walnut Street Theatre in the fall of 2004. During the 19th century, Edwin Forrest started an annual competition to foster growth in plays about America, written by Americans. Mr. Forrest would finance and star in the winning play. At the end of the competitions nine years later, more than 200 new plays had been submitted. It was in this spirit that the Walnut began its search for a play about Mr. Forrest Himself. The winning playwright would receive a cash prize, a full production of the winning play, and a full residency during the play’s production and rehearsal. Dozens of plays were submitted, and from this pool of very talented plays and playwrights was chosen Forrest: A Riot of Dreams, written by Philadelphian Armen Pandola.

Playwright Armen Pandola was born and raised in South Philadelphia, and is a graduate of St. Joseph’s University. Dividing his time between acting, directing and playwrighting, Mr. Pandola has accumulated a wide experience in the theatre. He is a Schubert Fellowship Winner, a member of the Dramatist Guild, and currently serves as the dramaturg (and co-founder) for Green Light Theatrical Productions, a company devoted to exploring the role of women in society. His recently produced plays include: Zelda and Scott: Boats Against the Current, Terror at the White House (a Stanley Drama Award Finalist), The Gift of Giving and Hedda Without Walls.

At the helm of this production is director Bill Van Horn. Bill was most recently featured at the Walnut in last season’s The Fantasticks (a production he also directed). Bill has worked as an actor, director and writer for numerous theatres across the country. The rest of the design staff are very familiar with Studio 3, including Set Designer Robert Kramer (The Fantasticks, Moll), Costume Designer Mary Folino (Lobby Hero, Mrs. Kemble’s Tempest), Lighting Designer Shelley Hicklin (The Fantasticks, Pump Boys and Dinettes, Enigma Variations) and Sound Designer John Mock (Stones in His Pocket, Here on the Flight Path).

Forrest: A Riot of Dreams is a story of powerful personalities. Such a show demands powerful performances, and the show’s ensemble is up to the task. Dan Olmstead, seen previously at the Walnut in The Constant Wife, Damn Yankees and 1776 (among others) brings Edwin Forrest to life. Emma O’Donnell joins Dan onstage as Catherine Sinclair, Edwin Forrest’s partner in marriage and nemesis in the courtroom. Guiding us through the history and proceedings of the Forrest’s sensational divorce trial are two actors well known to Philadelphia audiences. Scott Greer (Ferry/Wright) was most recently seen at the Walnut in last season’s Broadway Bound. He has been seen on many a stage in the city, including the Arden, 1812 and Interact. Joining him in the proceedings is Peter Schmidt (Truscott/Paxon), who was recently seen in the Arden Theatre Company’s Winesburg, Ohio and The Dinosaur Musical. Rounding out the cast is John Morrison, featured as the Judge and as Forrest’s rival, Macready.

As we celebrate the 200th birthday of Mr. Forrest, Forrest: A Riot of Dreams brings to life one of the American stage’s most bombastic personalities. It is an historic battle of class, love, sex and money that would make Shakespeare proud. Next on the Independence Studio on 3 is Natural History by Jennifer Camp. Four stories, four rooms and a constant search for love. Natural History starts on April 18 and ends May 7.

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