Actors switch roles from performance to
performance in Pulitzer-Prize winning Topdog/Underdog at
New Repertory Theatre

Photo by; Richard Feldman

New Repertory Theatre, located in Newton, MA , presents Topdog/Underdog, one of the hottest new plays in American drama. Playwright Suzan-Lori Parks became the first African -American woman to receive the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for Topdog/Underdog, and performances of this innovative two-character show come with a special twist: the actors switch roles from show to show. The production, directed by Kent Gash and designed by Tony Award winner Eugene Lee, plays until April 2, 2005.

Topdog/Underdog, produced in association with Alliance Theatre of Atlanta, GA and Trinity Repertory Company of Providence, RI, explores the lives of Lincoln and Booth, two African-American brothers whose names were given to them as a joke. Booth longs to become a legendary three-card monte hustler, just like his older brother. Lincoln, however, has gone legitimate, devoting himself to his job as an Abraham Lincoln impersonator in an arcade. No longer willing to throw the cards, Lincoln refuses to teach his younger brother the scam. As the argument heats up, a lifetime of sibling rivalry boils over, leading to a devastating climax.

The concept of role swapping emerged early in the rehearsal period, and actors Joe Wilson, Jr. and Kes Khemnu have proved they're well up to the challenge. When audiences see the "Diamonds" cast, Joe Wilson performs as Lincoln and Kes Khemnu as Booth; with the "Clubs" cast on stage, the roles are reversed. A writer from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution saw the production early in its run at Alliance and explains, "when they change places, they don't merely imitate one another; they completely reinvent themselves, introduce new stage tricks and ignite the house with a sexy combination of free-flying energy and intense discipline."

Topdog/Underdog is directed by Kent Gash (winner of the Independent Reviewers of New England Award) and designed by Eugene Lee (winner of multiple Tony Awards). Rick Lombardo, New Rep's Producing Artistic Director, explains, "Topdog/Underdog is another edgy, challenging drama, by one of the most exciting playwrights working in America. It's the kind of high-wattage theatre that New Rep patrons have come to expect, and its appeal for audiences everywhere is demonstrated by the enormous success of this co-production."

Topdog/Underdog plays through April 2, 2005. The production, directed by Kent Gash, features Kes Khemnu and Joe Wilson, Jr. Tickets range from $30 -$48, with senior, student, and group rates available. New Repertory Theatre, located at 54 Lincoln Street in Newton Highlands, is easily accessible from major routes and public transportation. For more information, call 617.332.1646 or go online to www.newrep.org .

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