PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: November 4, 2009

PRESS CONTACT:  Dan Berube, 978.654.7595, berube@merrimackrep.org        

BOX OFFICE:  978.654.4MRT (4678)

VETERANS DAY SALE HONORS HEROES

Thanksgiving Week Tickets to World War I Vet Comedy

Only $19.18 on November 11

Lowell, MA – In honor of Veterans Day and the many that have fought to preserve liberty and freedom, Merrimack Repertory Theatre announces a one day internet sale for its upcoming production of Heroes by Gerald Sibleyras, adapted by Academy and Tony Award-winner Tom Stoppard. Veterans Day, which falls on November 11, was originally called Armistice Day and commemorates the cessation of hostilities between Allied forces and Germany on November 11, 1918. Heroes is the story of Henri, Gustave, and Philippe, three aging World War I veterans plotting one final adventure.  On Veterans Day only (November 11), all available tickets for performances of Heroes from November 24 through November 29 can be purchased online for $19.18 at www.MerrimackRep.org.  This special offer is only available online and subject to availability.

Heroes is an Olivier Award-winning comedy making its New England premiere on Merrimack Rep’s Liberty Hall stage. Liberty Hall is part of Lowell Memorial Auditorium, which was built immediately following World War I as a memorial for Lowell’s veterans. Two plaques listing the 148 Lowell soldiers who died in World War I (referred to as The World War, as it was built prior to World War II) hang in the Hall of Flags among names of soldiers from other conflicts, including World War II, the Civil War, and the Korean War. 

The cast of Heroes features 3 veteran actors of both the stage and screen. Tony Award-winner Ron Holgate (Gustave) and Jonathan Hogan (Philippe) reprise their roles from the Spring 2009 Keen Company production of Heroes. Ron Holgate won a Tony Award in 1969 for his portrayal of Richard Henry Lee in the Broadway production of 1776. He later reprised the role for the film version of 1776, and also appeared on Broadway in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, 42nd Street, Lend Me a Tenor and Guys and Dolls. Tony-nominee and Drama Desk Award winner Jonathan Hogan has also made numerous appearances on Broadway, including The Homecoming, As Is and Fifth of July. Ken Tigar (Henri), a television regular with over 130 television and film credits, makes his debut on the Liberty Hall stage after appearing in Merrimack Repertory Theatre’s 2007 Off-Broadway production of Secret Order. Heroes is directed by Carl Forsman, who previously directed The Breadwinner at Merrimack Rep.

Merrimack Repertory Theatre’s 2009-2010 Season is sponsored by Lowell Cooperative Bank. Heroes is sponsored by Courier Corporation. Merrimack Repertory Theatre is funded in part by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

SPECIAL EVENTS FOR HEROES: Pay What You Will Night – November 19 at 7:30PM.  Patrons may purchase tickets in cash at the Box Office between 4:30-7:30PM and name their ticket price.  Following the performance, there will also be a Director’s Dialogue, where the directors and designers field audience questions and describe how the play was staged.  Lowell Night – November 21 at 8PM. Lowell residents may purchase tickets for $10 at the box office from 5-8PM. Proper ID required.  Opening Night – November 22 at 7PM. Audience members are invited to join Merrimack Rep’s staff and cast after the show in raising a glass of champagne to celebrate the opening of the production.  Cookie Matinee – November 25 at 2PM. Patrons enjoy complimentary cookies and coffee in the lobby before the show, courtesy of Brew’d Awakening Coffeehaus.  Post Show Forum – November 24, December 3 and December 10 at 7:30PM.  Audiences can stay after the performance to learn the inside scoop and chat with the actors.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Don’t miss a single show!  On sale now, Merrimack Rep offers subscription packages to fit every lifestyle and budget.  With season subscription packages ranging from $45-$307, all subscriptions offer deep discounts off the single ticket prices as well as exclusive subscriber-only benefits, including free parking, restaurant and theatre discounts, lost ticket insurance and free, unlimited exchanges.  For a season brochure or subscription information, call 978.654.4MRT (4678) or visit www.MerrimackRep.org.

TICKETS: Single Tickets $26-$56; Student/Senior/Group discounts are available.  Tickets can be purchased at MRT’s Online Box Office at www.merrimackrep.org, or in person at 50 E. Merrimack St., Lowell, or by calling 978.654.4678.  Groups of 6 or more save 25% off single ticket prices, and can call 978.654.7595 for more information.

For more information, bios, interviews, or photos, please contact Dan Berube at 978.654.7595 or berube@merrimackrep.org.

For MRT show times, tickets, season information, directions, or to request a brochure, please visit www.merrimackrep.org or call the Box Office at 978.654.4MRT (4678).

Merrimack Repertory Theatre is located in beautiful historic downtown Lowell at Liberty Hall, the Company’s 308-seat theatre, 50 E. Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA 01852 (adjacent to Lowell Memorial Auditorium).  Each season, Merrimack Rep presents an eclectic mix of contemporary productions, engaging the best available actors, designers and directors in the country.  Founded in 1979, Merrimack Rep’s mission is “To advance the cause of human understanding by creating theatrical productions at the highest level of artistic excellence and making them affordable to the broadest possible community.”  Its unique artistic vision is shaped by a passion for excellence and a profound commitment to its community.  Merrimack Rep strives to enhance the community’s quality of life while contributing to its economic strength, measuring success by the depth of the Company’s artistic and social contribution to the region.

Merrimack Repertory Theatre's 2009-2010 Season
Flings & Eros by The Flying Karamazov Brothers, September 10 – October 4, 2009; The Seafarer by Conor McPherson, October 15 – November 8, 2009; Heroes by Gerald Sibleyras, adapted by Tom Stoppard, November 19 – December 13, 2009; Fabuloso, A Play by John Kolvenbach, January 7 – January 31, 2010; Black Pearl Sings! by Frank Higgins, February 11 – March 7, 2010; The Last Days of Mickey & Jean by Richard Dresser, March 18 – April 11, 2010; The Blonde, the Brunette and the Vengeful Redhead by Robert Hewett, April 22 – May 16, 2010.

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