PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release
February 26, 2015
Media Contact
Jane Gendron
(435) 640-3315
jgendron@jgendron.com
Park City Institute Presents
L.A. Theatre Works
“In the Heat of the Night”
March 7, 2015
PARK CITY, UT – The first-rate cast of L.A. Theatre Works returns to the Eccles stage with a
riveting thriller on Saturday, March 7. Based on John Ball’s 1965 novel (which two years later
became a ground-breaking, Academy award-winning film starring Sidney Poitier), “In the Heat of
the Night” is a stage performance that is at once relevant and, in the words of a DC Metro reviewer,
“searing, disturbing and flat-out brilliant.” The radio play begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available
by calling 435-655-3114 or online at EcclesCenter.org.
Adapted to the stage by Matt Pelfrey, “In the Heat of the Night” features a small town Alabama cop
forced to confront his bigotry when a well-educated, African American police detective arrives from
California to investigate a murder. It is 1965, the era of Martin Luther King Jr., the Kennedys, LBJ,
sit-ins, violence, peaceful resistance… and an America moving toward racial equality. The stage is
set with 8 microphones, but those radio-play props give way to emotion and complex theater that
instantly captivates the audience.
“Brilliant, electrifying, moving, and timely,” writes a Folsom Telegraph reviewer, “As soon as the
stage went black, the audience was on its feet in a standing ovation.” And DC Metro gave the show
“Five stars.”
The star-studded cast of actors, whose work regularly graces the stage and screen includes: Ryan
Vincent Anderson (Virgil Tibbs), James Morrison (Police Chief Gillespie), Michael Hammond
(police officer Sam Wood), Travis Johns (police officer Pete) and Kaleen Harriman, Darren
Richardson and Tom Virtue (each playing several characters). Unafraid to tackle the tensions and
challenges of an incendiary chapter of American history, L.A. Theatre Works – “a national treasure,”
according to The Philadelphia Inquirer – delivers a still-relevant message and raises poignant
questions.
“This company’s radio theater is both unique and absolutely compelling,” says PCI’s Executive
director Teri Orr. “And the racially fraught themes of this story are just as important today – in the
time of Ferguson – as they were more than 50 years ago. Undoubtedly, this show will lead to
conversations. And these are conversations every community should have.”
TICKETS AND INFORMATION
Park City Institute presents L.A. Theatre Works “In the Heat of the Night” on Saturday, March 7
at The George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Center for the Performing Arts (1750 Kearns Blvd., Park
City). Concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $20 to $69* (20-percent discount for seniors, ½
price tickets for children ages 16 and under; $5 seats are available in the Copper Section for Summit
County students (K-12). Tickets and information are available at The Eccles Center box office,
435-655-3114 or www.ecclescenter.org.
Upcoming Eccles Center Shows and Events:
Sam Bush - February 28, 2015
L.A. Theatre Works “In the Heat of the Night” - March 7, 2015
Saints and Sinners Ball – March 14, 2015 (St. Regis Deer Valley)
Dr. Philip Low – March 20, 2015
Suzanne Vega - March 21, 2015
Mummenschanz - April 4, 2015
Hot Sardines - April 11, 2015
An Evening with Neil Gaiman- April 18, 2015
Alonzo King LINES Ballet - April 25, 2015
* PRESS: Please contact Jane Gendron for interview requests, review tickets and press
information, jgendron@jgendron.com or 435-640-3315.
ENTERTAINING, EDUCATING AND ILLUMINATING SINCE 1998
Park City Institute (formerly Park City Performing Arts Foundation) is a non-profit organization,
dedicated to bringing world-class performances and new ideas to the community. Founded in 1994, PCI
presents internationally renowned and cutting edge musicians, actors, authors, comedians, dancers,
speakers and film at The George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Center for the Performing Arts (a joint-use
facility with the Park City School District). PCI is dedicated to introducing young people to the arts
through free student outreach workshops, shows and demonstrations. The institute proudly launched the
Mega Genius Supply Store and IQ HQ – a free, after school literacy program and very thinky retail store
- in January 2010. And the organization continues to illuminate with TEDx events, Curiosities evenings
and The Park City Institute / Strategic News Service “Future in Review” Speaker Series. The
organization recently wrapped up its11th season of summer concerts at Deer Valley Resort.
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