DREAMCATCHER PRESENTS NEW JERSEY PREMIERE OF "DISTRACTED" AT PLAYWRIGHTS THEATRE IN MADISON

(SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- DREAMCATCHER REPERTORY THEATRE, professional Theatre in Residence at the Baird Center in South Orange, will present the New Jersey premiere of DISTRACTED by Lisa Loomer from March 4 through 20 at the Playwrights Theatre of NJ in Madison.  While the Baird Center is closed for repairs, Playwrights Theatre has generously allowed Dreamcatcher to relocate its spring mainstage production to their home, becoming a co-producer of the project.  In addition, friends at Luna Stage in West Orange have provided rehearsal space for the production.

DISTRACTED was a hit Off-Broadway last season, where audiences responded to its humor and relevance, making it one of the year's most popular shows.  The play tells the story of nine-year-old Jesse, who has a problem, according to his teacher and a slew of specialists.  But is it ADHD, or just normal boyishness?  As his parents navigate the complicated world of medical and alternative treatments, they confront the possibility that it's not just Jesse that's distracted: it's our entire culture.  The Associated Press called it "a smartly comic, sharply observant and surprisingly humane play."  The reviewer at Time Out New York proclaimed it "my favorite comedy of the year!"

Dreamcatcher's last production, Melissa James Gibson's THIS, was chosen as one of the Ten Best theatrical experiences in the state last year by Peter Filichia of the Star-Ledger.  The cast of DISTRACTED features more of the Resident Acting Company members:  Harry Patrick Christian (Montclair), Noreen Farley (Clinton), Scott McGowan (Maplewood), Jessica O'Hara-Baker (New York), and Harriett Trangucci (Summit).  Completing the cast is Beth Painter (Westfield), making her first appearance at Dreamcatcher after being a long-time favorite at Alliance Rep in Rahway.  The Stage Manager is Yumi Matsuura and the Assistant Stage Manager is Gloriann Figenshu (both of Madison).  The show is directed by Laura Ekstrand (Livingston), Dreamcatcher's Artistic Director.

DISTRACTED will run at Playwrights Theatre of NJ from Friday, March 4 through Sunday, March 20.  Performances are Friday and Saturday nights at 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 2:00 p.m.  Tickets are $30 for adults and $25 for seniors and students, with special rates for subscribers and groups.  To save $3, purchase tickets online at www.dreamcatcherrep.org or by calling Brown Paper Tickets at 1-800-838-3006.  Students pay only $15 on Student Saturday, March 5, and seniors pay only $15 on Senior Sunday, the March 6 matinee.

Performances are at the Playwrights Theatre of NJ, 33 Green Village Road, in the heart of downtown Madison.  The facility is wheelchair accessible.  As always, Assistive Listening devices for the hearing impaired and advance large print scripts are available by prior arrangement.  To purchase tickets or for information on any of Dreamcatcher Repertory Theatre's programs, please visit www.dreamcatcherrep.org or contact Dreamcatcher Repertory Theatre at The Baird, 5 Mead Street, South Orange, NJ 07079, 973-378-7754, ext. 2228.