Lowell, MA—Bob Clyman’s Secret Order, which Merrimack Repertory Theatre regionally premiered at the close of its 2006-2007 season and produced Off-Broadway this past fall at 59E59 Theaters, has recently been nominated for a John Gassner Award by the Outer Critics Circle.  The New York Off-Broadway production, which received high NYC critic accolades and ran November 9-December 9, 2007, was directed by MRT Artistic Director Charles Towers and featured many of the original production elements from its run in Lowell.

The John Gassner Memorial Playwriting Award Competition honors new American playwrights and scripts. The Award was created in 1967 to honor the late John Gassner (1903-1967) for his lifetime dedication to all aspects of professional and academic theatre.

The Outer Critics Circle Awards are decided upon by a group of writers "covering New York theatre for out-of town newspapers, national publications and other media beyond Broadway." Winners of the 2007-2008 Outer Critics Circle Awards will be announced the morning of May 12. Winners will be celebrated with an awards dinner May 22 at Sardi's Restaurant.

In addition, the Tony Award-winning Alley Theatre in Houston, Texas announced last week that it will produce Secret Order from October 24 through November 23 as the opening production in their Neuhaus Stage. This production will also be directed by MRT’s Charles Towers.

Artistic Director Charles Towers responds, “We are proud to have taken one of our creations to the most competitive theatre marketplace in America and been acknowledged in this way.  We feel that this is a success not only for MRT and Bob Clyman, but also for the city of Lowell and the over 100 surrounding communities whose residents comprise our audience.  MRT is proud to serve as a cultural ambassador for a city whose motto is ‘Art is the Handmade of Human Good.’ As a key player in the ‘Creative Economy,’ MRT illustrates how a region that once made and exported textiles can transform itself into one that now makes and exports cultural products.”

Secret Order by Bob Clyman is a fast paced dramatic comedy about medical ethics, power and money.  Dr. William Shumway stumbles on a potentially colossal cancer breakthrough and is suddenly thrust into prominence.  A prestigious research institute lures him into their ranks with the promise of unlimited resources to complete his clinical trials.  Once there, he discovers the overwhelming pressures to ‘publish or perish’ and meet the demands of the powerful pharmaceutical industry.  In the ensuing frenzy that is modern medical discovery, Dr. Shumway becomes entangled in a complex web of secrets, lies and success.

FOR TICKETS TO SEE OTHER AWARD-WORTHY PRODUCTIONS AT MRT: Prices: single tickets $26-$56; student/senior/group discounts available.  Season Subscriptions run $45-$282 and include an extensive package of benefits, including the lowest prices available; the best seats; free ticket exchange privileges; discounts on individual tickets; discounts at area restaurants and retailers; and free parking.  Tickets can be purchased at MRT’s box office, 50 E. Merrimack St. in Lowell or by calling (978) 654-4MRT (4678) or online at www.merrimackrep.org.  Groups of 6 or more can purchase tickets at a discounted rate. 

To request a brochure for MRT’s upcoming 08/09 season, please visit www.merrimackrep.org - or call the box office at (978) 654-4MRT (4678).

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