Theater News

Michael Carlsen, Deborah Rayne Lead Spirits of Exit Eleven at Theatre Row

Michael Puzzo’s dark comedy will begin performances on January 10.

Deborah Rayne, Stephen Payne, and Nicole Balsam in <i>Spirits of Exit Eleven</i>
Deborah Rayne, Stephen Payne, and Nicole Balsam in Spirits of Exit Eleven
(© David Zayas, Jr.)
Spirits of Exit Eleven, a new play by Michael Puzzo (The Dirty Talk), will have its world premiere beginning January 10 at Theatre Row’s Lion Theatre. Frank Licato directs the dark comedy, which is produced by Justin Reinsilber and runs through February 2.

Set in a rundown New Jersey strip club/pizza parlor on Halloween, the work follows a ragtag group of outcasts as they attempt to keep their dignity intact and their livelihood afloat. Featured in the ensemble cast are Michael Carlsen (The Wood), Shane Patrick Kearns (American Stare), Stephen Payne (Sailor’s Song), Deborah Rayne (A Gifted Man), and newcomer Nicole Balsam. The production will feature choreography by Marlo Hunter, scenic design by David Meyer, costume design by Alexis Forte, lighting design by Adam Greene, sound design by Donald Stark, and fight choreography by David Anzuelo.

Puzzo’s credits as a playwright also include Lyric is Waiting, The Horse Shoe King of Jersey City, The 11a.m. Girl Says “Goodnight,” and The Slasher’s Lament. He has been a member of the LABrynth Theater Company since 1997. Licato’s credits include The Late Christopher Bean, The Shape of Things, Judgment, and Deathwatch, for which he received an Obie Award nomination. Reinsilber’s productions include Where’s My Money, Winter Party, Sophomore, and Tenn99.

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