APRIL 2010
SICK
by ERIK PATTERSON
directed by DIANE RODRIGUEZ

LA TIMES

"When it comes to walking the fine line between humor and misery, Erik Patterson is an experienced high-wire artist. Patterson's new play is an incisive treatment of hypochondria and addiction that can be blisteringly funny."
— F. Kathleen Foley

LA WEEKLY: GO!

"The two-character scenes that dominate the piece showcase Erik Patterson's edgy and hilarious play, and Diane Rodriguez's muscular direction energizes its episodic nature, cleverly turning even the transitions into opportunities for storytelling, such as employing an onstage waiting room for offstage characters. Sandra Burns' flexible, minimalist set (with its wonderful robin-egg blue floor), appropriately illuminated by Adam Blumenthal's harsh hospital fluorescence, provides the perfect backdrop for a talented cast that is solid across the board and keeps us laughing amidst the pain. "
— Mayank Keshoviah

BACK STAGE: CRITIC'S PICK!

"Playwright Erik Patterson admits to personal hypochondria in the program notes for this resplendently twisted effort-yet another in his string of hilariously wicked and glaringly contemporary plays gloriously sending up the communal sickness that affects us all as our country becomes progressively more immune to wellness.... Patterson's wit and insight couldn't have found a better partner in creation than Rodriguez, who clearly gets him at every delightfully askew corner and turn. Even beyond that receptivity, Rodriguez is a master at staging a simple little story in a complex space, keeping the play's short filmic scenes from flattening by leaving her performers onstage throughout, out of the light of whatever current scene is played out, reading magazines in the hospital's waiting room or sitting vigil by Michael's oversized sickbed. Every transition here is fluid and watchable, every actor patently willing to follow Rodriguez's discerning guidance as their characters search for a cure for what ails us all."
— Travis Michael Holder

HOTTER IN HOLLYWOOD:

"If you prefer your family drama with a side of hypochondria and alcoholism, then take a trip downtown to the Los Angeles Theatre Center to catch Sick.... From award-winning playwright (and HIH friend) Erick Patterson, Sick observes one family's struggle with health issues - and each other - throughout hospital corridors ... and across the kitchen table. Sharply directed by Diane Rodriguez, the tightly run production features seamless transitions and wisely employs its 7-member cast around a set brilliantly designed by Sandra Burns so that each actor never leaves the stage during the 90-minute running time. Sick indeed. But you'll leave the theatre feeling so good. "

set design: Sandra Burns
lighting design: Adam Blumenthal
sound design: Dennis Yen
costume design: Sandra Burns
casting director: Raul Clayton Staggs
stage manager: Pat Loeb
producer: Diane Levine

starring
Anita Dashiell
Ramon De Ocampo
Johnny Giacalone
Diarra Kilpatrick
Quinton Lopez
Vonessa Martin
Brendan O'Malley

understudy for the role of Michael
Luca Oriel

Preview: Friday, April 16, 8 PM
Opening: Saturday, April 17, 8 PM
Closing: Sunday, May 16, 3 PM
Performance schedule: Fri/Sat 8 PM and Sun 3 PM.

Los Angeles Theatre Center [Theatre 4]
514 S. Spring Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013

TICKETS are available for purchase
by calling 213-489-0994 ext. 107
or ONLINE:

https://www.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/717995
General Admission $34.00
Students/Seniors $15.00

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