Beginning January 25, New Repertory Theatre will present three new works by American playwrights under the reading series umbrella New Plays At New Rep.

All readings are free and open to the public. Each session will be directed and performed by New Rep artists and followed by a short talk back session. All readings will take place at New Rep Theatre, in residence at the Arsenal Center for the Arts, located at 321 Arsenal Street in Watertown.

First up, on Wednesday, January 25, is "The Ice-Breaker" by David Rambo, known for his writing on the hit television series "CSI." The play introduces Sonia, a brilliant academic completing her thesis on climatology, who arrives on the desert of the American Southwest in search of Lawrence, a once-legendary scientist who now lives in self-imposed exile.  Lawrence's research in Antarctica helped to inspire Sonia's work, and when the two meet, sexual and intellectual sparks fly. "The Ice-Breaker" will be directed by Rick Lombardo and will feature Will Lyman and Marianna Bassham. 

The second reading, on Monday, January 30, will be "A Crooked Man," by Richard Kalinoski.  In 1999, New Rep staged a hit production of Kalinoski's play "Beast on the Moon," which recently enjoyed an acclaimed run off-Broadway.  "A Crooked Man," directed by Doug Lockwood and featuring Ken Baltin and Lewis Wheeler, explores the developing relationship between Alex, an aspiring journalist, and Hagop, his Armenian grandfather.  When choosing to interview Hagop for a newspaper article on World War I, Alex believes he's found the perfect subject for a gripping and "authentic" story.  However, as Alex uncovers the layers of emotion beneath his grandfather's laconic exterior, and Hagop slowly narrates his experiences during the war, both men achieve a startling change of perspective.

The final reading, on Monday, February 6, will feature "She Calls Up the Sun," written by emerging playwright Addae Moon and directed by Lois Roach.  Taking place in a small fishing village on the coast of Florida, the story follows Marie, a schoolteacher from Atlanta, who returns to her hometown following her mother's death.  Marie plans to leave her childhood home as soon as possible, but when her long-lost father arrives, she finds herself pulled deeper into the mysteries and forgotten heartaches of her family's past.  "She Calls Up the Sun" explores the tidal pull of heritage and family love.

Although admission to all three readings is free, audience members should call for a reservation.  New Rep's box office can be reached at 617-923-8487 or via email at tickets@newrep.org.

-- OnStage Boston

01/18/06