October 20, 2009

Akuza Theatre, now in residency at Drexel during its 10th Anniversary Season, will present the Philadelphia premiere of Pulitzer Prize winner Paula Vogel's The Long Christmas Ride Home as part of the Mandell Professionals in Residence Project (MPiRP). Opening night is November 4th for this play which explores the fragile and frayed relationship of one family on a difficult ride home from a family gathering. Bunraku, an ancient form of Japanese puppetry will be incorporated into the show, and Drexel students will be featured in the cast and are working as crew members. The New York Times said of the play, "...somewhat like gazing at stars: We feel its inspiration, as well as its sad distance from earth. [The Long Christmas Ride Home] collapses time and space into moments of disarming, and affecting, beauty.' To purchase tickets, click here.

The Mandell Professionals in Residence Project (MPiRP) is an ongoing collaboration between the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design and the professional theatre and dance communities of Philadelphia. Drexel students benefit from workshops and opportunities to perform alongside established professional performers.

DETAILS:

• The Long Christmas Ride Home by Paula Vogel, directed by Aaron Cromie
• November 4-November 15
• Mandell Theater (33rd and Chestnut St.)
• Single ticket prices are $15-$25, with discounts available for seniors, students and groups of 10+
• For more information contact Mark Andrews at Mark@azukatheatre.org or visit http://azukatheatre.org