'Lobby Hero' Comes to FSU's Cook Theatre

The FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training presents "Lobby Hero" by Kenneth Lonergan, Tuesday through Jan. 22 at the Cook Theatre in the , 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.

Tickets are $28 evenings; $27 matinees. Students receive 50 percent off with advance ticket purchase. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Asolo Rep’s box office at the FSU Center for Performing Arts; 941-351-8000.

Kenneth Lonergan, author of the acclaimed plays, "This Is Our Youth," and "The Waverly Gallery," and the Oscar-nominated film, "You Can Count on Me," has been called "the new golden boy of stage and screen" by The New York Times. His 2001 play, "Lobby Hero," was nominated for the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Off-Broadway Play, and tells the story of Jeff, a young security guard for a Manhattan apartment building who is attempting to put his life back together after being thrown out of the military.

He ends up becoming involved with a murder investigation involving his supervisor and a rookie policewoman who is in over her head with her corrupt cop partner. The New York Times calls it “The best new American drama of the first decade of this century.”

"'Lobby Hero' is a wonderfully suspenseful comic drama, with complex characters who keep surprising themselves and the audience," says Brendon Fox, a guest professor at FSU/Asolo Conservatory, and director of this production. "It's a witty and honest look at ethical dilemmas anyone can relate to. What do we owe to ourselves and to those who care about us?"

The production will showcase the talents of second-year Conservatory students, Jacob Cooper, Brittany Proia, Brendan Ragan and Christopher Williams.

"Sexual jealousy, police corruption, racial defensiveness and a clumsy yearning for honor all play a part in this very funny and moving play by one of America’s most engaging playwrights," says Greg Leaming, director of the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training. "It's perfect for our second-year students, filled with quirky dialogue and multi-dimensional characters."

Brendon Fox is a teacher, director, and producer who has worked around the country at a number of prominent regional theaters, universities and training programs. He has taught and directed students at The Juilliard School, The University of Virginia, The University of Evansville, University of Northern Colorado, University of North Carolina, The Old Globe/University of San Diego Professional Actor Training Program, and the Academy of Classical Acting.

Fox is a consultant and former associate producer for L.A. Theatre Works, directing many acclaimed radio plays for NPR and numerous national tours. He has worked as associate director at the Tony Award-winning Old Globe Theatre in San Diego for seven years. Regional directing credits include: "Much Ado About Nothing" with Dana Delany, Old Globe Theatre; OPUS, Portland Center Stage; "The Learned Ladies," Texas Shakespeare Festival; "Angels In America," Playmakers Repertory Theatre; the L.A. premiere of "The Lady With All The Answers," Pasadena Playhouse; "As You Like It," Weston Theatre Company.

He has a Bachelor of Science in performance studies at Northwestern University and an Master of Fine Arts in directing at UCLA. Reviews, pictures, and a more extensive bio can be found at www.foxdirector.com.

Productions are Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m.; Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m.; and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $28 evenings; $27 matinees. Students receive 50 percent off with advance ticket purchase.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Asolo Rep’s box office at the FSU Center for Performing Arts; 941-351-8000. The 2011-2012 season subscriptions and single tickets are on sale now. 

Pay What You Can Tuesdays Series: On Tuesday, Jan. 3, audience members are invited to attend a production of "Lobby Hero" and pay whatever they feel comfortable paying for their ticket. These special tickets are available on day of performance only.