about Caryl CHURCHILL's 'A NUMBER' ...
Human cloning is the subject of this beguiling hour-long psychological thriller that blends topical scientific speculation with a stunning portrait of the relationship between fathers and their sons.
"Rarely in my theatre going experience has a new play conveyed such a disturbing or enthralling impression of domestic weirdness.... An astonishing event.''" - Evening Standard
Magnificent.... Contains more drama, and more ideas, than most manage in a dozen full-length works.... It combines elegant structural simplicity with an astonishing intellectual and emotional depth.... What a tremendous play this is, moving, thought-provoking and dramatically thrilling.'' - Daily Telegraph
"..Caryl Churchill is a gifted British writer known for plays that dramatize the abuses of power. Some of her most popularly produced works include “Vinegar Tom,” “Cloud Nine,” “Top Girls” and “The Skriker.” In this short one-act, the playwright is concise and at the top of her form, as she ponders the morality of nature versus nurturing. She’s created a world of the not-too-distant future, in which cloning, although still a debatable practice, is now commonplace. By plunging us directly into the middle of the scenario we’re witnessing a conflict between a father and his sons. The audience becomes immediately engaged in deciphering the mystery of the who, what, when, where and why of their relationship. But, it’s a stimulating intellectual challenge that’s well worth the effort." - Chicago Theatre Review
Meet the cast of A NUmber
Ward G. Smith as 'Salter'
Starting with USO shows and live theater while in the US ARMY, this actor, director, standup comedian and voice-over artist, has been working steadily for the past 40 years. He's appeared in over 50 professional stage productions and, as a member SAGAFTRA, he can be seen in streaming episodes of Zoo, Nashville, Let's Stay Together, Burn Notice, Army Wives, MacGyver, and The Right Stuff. Nationally touring stand-up comedian club dates include: Punchlines, Improvs, Funny Bones, Laff Stops, Comedy Zones, Improvs and Coconuts. Some favorite roles include Rothko in RED, Scott in AMERICAN SON, and Stephano in THE TEMPEST.
Anthony Gervais as 'Bernard' (35), 'Bernard' (40),'Michael Black'
Anthony Gervais is a St. Pete native actor, director, writer, and producer. He was recently seen as Jamie in THE LAST FIVE YEARS here at Studio Grand Central. Selected directing credits:FORSYTHIAN DWELLER’S CLUB (World Premiere, Bittersweet Arts Company) and THE JOY OF LIFE (cast devised piece). Big thanks to Ward, Karen, and his family. Boston Conservatory BFA.
Alan Mohney, Jr, Director, Scenic & Sound Designer
Alan is a director, actor, and scenic designer who studied Theatre at Greensboro College. He directed BREADCRUMBS here at Studio Grand Central and Jobsite Theatre earlier this year. Other directing credits: THE LONG WEEKEND, KALAMAZOO, GOD OF CARNAGE, SAME TIME NEXT YEAR, MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, MOONLIGHT & MAGNOLIAS, SYLVIA, PRISONER OF SECOND AVENUE, and ALL IN THE TIMING. Acting credits: SOMETHING CLEAN (Doug), for Off-Central Players, FULLY COMMITTED (Sam) @EBDT; DINNER WITH FRIENDS (Tom) @Tampa Repertory Theatre; NO EXIT (Cradeau), FREUDIAN SLIP (DaVinci), DREAM CHILD (Hatter), FABRICATION (Surrealist Man) for Circle in the Water; JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH (Ladahlord) @ThinkTank Theatre; WHITE FANG (Beauty Smith), UNDER FIRE (Father Thomas/Regis), ASSASSINS (Charles Guiteau) @FreeFall Theatre; and THE COLONY (Doctor) @ American Stage; plus PARFUMERIE (George), MODIGLIANI (Utrillo), and 1776 (Richard Henry Lee). For Patrick.