 By Itamar Moses
Directed by Art Manke
“Bravo! Bravo! Oh, it is a masterful comedy that can be moving as well!”
– Georg Friedrich Kaufmann, Bach at Leipzig, Act II
Director Art Manke describes Bach playwright Itamar Moses as “the kind of guy that did the New York Times crossword puzzle – in ink – before he learned to walk.” Considered one of the leading new voices in American theatre, the 30-year-old Moses, whose work has been compared to Tom Stoppard, made his mark with this brilliantly written, farcical tale of “a bunch of average guys trying to get ahead in their chosen profession.” Those “guys,” each of whom are named either Johann or Georg, are organists faced with the biggest job interview of their careers, each vying for the position of organ master at the esteemed Thomaskirche in Leipzig, Germany in 1722. And each man is determined to win the prized position by any means necessary.
Director Art Manke directed the acclaimed 2006 production of Bach at Leipzig at South Coast Repertory where he won the prestigious Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Direction. Mr. Manke is a co-founder of A Noise Within, L.A.’s acclaimed classical theatre company, where he served as Artistic Director for the first ten seasons (1991-2001) and is a frequent guest lecturer at universities and conservatories throughout the country. This is Mr. Manke’s SSC directorial debut. Scenic Design by John Iacovelli. Costume Design by B Modern. Lighting Design by David Lee Cuthbert. Sound Design by Tom Cavnar.
Performed on the indoor Theatre Arts Mainstage.
Photo: Director Art Manke
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