ORPHANS by Lyle Kessler

Runs August 19, 2016 – September 3, 2015

Opening Performance Friday, 08/19 with post-show Opening Party

All shows Thursday, Friday & Saturday nights at 8pm plus Industry Night 08/29

08/26 ASL-interpreted performance

08/27 post-show Panel Discussion with Steve Dietz + Tyler Elizabeth Layton

After successful runs of David Hare’s SKYLIGHT and Mike Bartlett’s BULL, Street Corner Arts is set to open Lyle Kessler’s ORPHANS this fall at The Back Pack. This production is the first of Street Corner Arts new Sidewalk Series, an annual project dedicated to providing selected artists in Austin the chance to co-produce a production with the aid and mentorship of Austin professionals. Last seen on Broadway in 2013, Kessler’s ORPHANS has been produced and translated all over the world as a timeless tale of two brothers and their enduring strength to survive. 

ORPHANS opens in a north Philadelphia row house where Treat and Phillip live on their own. Treat (Christopher Alvaregna) steals for a living while Phillip (Aaron Johnson) stays at home, hidden from the world, surviving only on canned tuna fish. One night, Treat brings home a drunk older man, Harold (Michael Stuart), in the hopes of robbing him, but Harold is too street savvy for Treat’s tricks. He sees potential in these boys. A battle of wits and chicanery gives way to this odd trio developing a genuine relationship in strange, hilarious, and unexpected ways.

Starring Michael Stuart (ONE MAN TWO GUVNORS, WAITING FOR LEFTY), Aaron Johnson (TRIBES, SKYLIGHT) and introducing Christopher Alvaregna. Directed by Sarah Kimberley Becker.

Johnson and Becker were selected in May to helm Street Corner’s inaugural 2016 Sidewalk Series production.

Join us for a special post-show panel discussion with celebrated playwright Steven Dietz, Professor at UT-Dept of Theatre and Dance and Tyler Elizabeth Layton, Assistant Professor of Theatre Arts at St. Edward’s University. The discussion will be moderated by UT-MFA alum, director, dramaturg and producer Jess Hutchison.

ALL PERFORMANCES AT

THE BACK PACK @ 2400 East Cesar Chavez