The Alliance Theatre Lab Presents Lyle Kessler's 'Orphans'

The ALLIANCE THEATRE Lab presents Orphans, Lyle Kessler's contemporary classic about two brothers and the man who tries to fill the role of their father.  Originally produced by the famed Steppenwolf Theatre Company, this is the play that helped to launch Mr. Kessler's distinguished playwriting and screenwriting career.

Described by the New York Times as "theater for the senses and emotions," the "ferociously eloquent" (The Off-Off-Broadway Review) Orphans is the story of two adult orphaned brothers living in the slums of North Philadelphia.  The younger, Phillip (Justin McLendon), is a wild-child naif whose innocence and illiteracy belie a feral intelligence.  The older, Treat (Alliance ensemble member David Sirois), is a switchblade-wielding thief whose fear of abandonment leads him to manipulating his brother into remaining dependant on him. 

Into this den of dysfunction comes Harold (Alliance ensemble member Travis Reiff), a not-so-legitimate Chicago businessman who takes these "Dead End Kids" under his tutelage.  Drawing upon a twisted sense of the father-son story, Harold attempts to guide Philip into self-reliance and Treat into self-awareness.

The ALLIANCE THEATRE Lab will present Orphans from March 18, 2010, through April 4, 2010, at the Main Street Playhouse, 6766 Main Street in Miami Lakes.  Thursday and Friday performances will be at 8 pm, Saturdays at 5 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm.  Tickets are $25 for general admission, and $15 for seniors and for students with a valid ID.  For ticket information, call 305.259.0418 or email thealliancelab@aol.com.

FALL IN LOVE TODAY!  ADOPT A PET FROM YOUR LOCAL ANIMAL SHELTER

Currently spending his time between New York and Florida, Beau was born to a theatrical family in Brooklyn. He studied drama at the Lee Strasberg Theater Institute and at HB Studios. He studied theater singing with Julia Sperratore and Helen Gallagher. Beau later taught drama at the Lincoln Center Square for the Arts. It was at this time Beau began working with the Theater Development Fund and helped found New York's famed HALF PRICE TICKET BOOTH. Early in his career, Beau was screen tested and contracted for Warner Brothers. He co-hosted, an early cable variety series on Manhattan's Teleprompter channel. At this time he directed the Johnny Specca musical, SEX IS..? at the Lincoln Center Library Theater. Beau has performed Off-Broadway in FAT FELL DOWN, The Comic Strip Theater's LITTLE LULU AND THE INVISIBLE INK and WILL THE REAL ZOOPERMAN PLEASE STAND UP. Around the country he has delighted audiences with his performances in ANYTHING GOES, THE APPLE TREE, GUYS & DOLLS, and HELLZAPOPPIN! He sang for New York audiences at such cabarets as The Duplex and Upstairs at the Downstairs. He has had numerous television appearances but is most proud to have been a winning contestant on the game shows JACKPOT and THE $20,000 PYRAMID.

More Articles by This Author...