ACT OUT: Tunnel Rat Opening Tonight

Opening:

Tunnel Rat 4/5

A SOLDIER’S STORY IS TOLD BY GENESIS THEATRICAL PRODUCTIONS’
U.S. PREMIER OF “TUNNEL RAT”

Tonight we'll be at the opening of Tunnel Rat with Ronnie Giles, whose life inspired this story.   We'll have a full review for you shortly.            

            In late 1965 after a run-in with the law, 17-year old Ronnie Giles was given the option of joining the Army....or going to jail. He chose the Army-and inevitably-Vietnam.  Because he was short, he was 'volunteered' to go into the Vietcong Tunnels in and around the jungles of Cu Chi.

            Ronnie’s experience in Vietnam forms the basis for “Tunnel Rat,” a U.S. premier by acclaimed Australian playwright Neil Cole.  With a rare, personal story about the war in Vietnam, “Tunnel Rat” explores, with humor and insight, the effects of PTSD on a young and naïve man.

                “Tunnel Rat” will be directed by Brian LeTraunik and features Stefanie Johnsen, Joyce Hshieh and Mark Shallow as Ronnie Giles.

            The technical crew includes Beth Bruins, Stage Manager, Nick Quinn, Set Design, Molly Krall, Costumes, Marly Wooster, Lighting Design,Andrew Dallas, Sound Design and Ashlee Edgemon, Movement.

            Genesis is proud to be  the first outside production to be presented at the National Pastime Theatre’s new home  in the Preston Bradley Center, 941 W. Lawrence, Chicago and opens on Thursday, April 5, 2012.  Performances are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 7pm to April 29.  Tickets are $25.  

Tickets can be ordered online at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/213189.  Group rates for 10 or more are available.  For more information call 773-327-7077.

            Discounts for active or retired members of the military are available at the box office only or by calling 773-327-7077.

            A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Ronnie Giles, whose life inspired this story, is a member of the ¾ Cavalry Association, VFW, Disabled American Veterans and Vietnam Veterans of America.

Genesis Theatrical Productions wishes to thank the Australian Consulate of Chicago, the Vietnam Veterans of America and National Pastime Theater for their support of this production.

GENESIS THEATRICAL PRODUCTIONS NFP, INC.
THEATER: REIMAGINED, REDEFINED, REINVENTED