Premiere Stages at Kean University launches season with powerful new play, Egyptian Song

(UNION, NJ) -– Premiere Stages at Kean University kicks off the 2011 season with an interactive staged reading of Egyptian Song an exciting new play by James Christy. As directed by Michael Barakiva, Egyptian Song is a moving and poetic coming of age story of a brother and sister in early 20th century Egypt. Zahia, a gifted singer is forced to choose between tradition and her passion for music while her brother struggles with the intersection of politics, religion, and his family's honor.

The play will be presented on Friday, June 24 and Saturday, June 25 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, June 26 at 3 p.m. in the Murphy Dunn Theatre located in Kean University's Vaughn Eames building on the main campus. Following each reading, audiences will be afforded the opportunity to participate in curtain talks with the playwright and are encouraged to ask questions and share thoughts about the play.

The script was selected as part of the Premiere Stages Play Festival, a program created specifically to encourage and nurture emerging dramatists in New Jersey and the greater metropolitan area. Previous plays workshopped through the Festival include Opus by Michael Hollinger, which went on to premiere Off-Broadway and run in numerous regional theaters and Lost Boy Found in Whole Foods by Tammy Ryan which was subsequently co-produced by Premiere Stages and Playwrights Theatre of New Jersey and will be produced by Pittsburgh Playhouse later this year.

"The Staged Reading provides audiences with the unique experience of being involved in the birth of a new play," said John Wooten, Premiere Stages producing artistic director. "In the intimate discussions that follow, patrons listen, contribute, and actively engage in the developmental process."

Admission to the Staged Reading is free. Premiere Stages offers air-conditioned facilities and free parking close to the theatres. All Premiere Stages facilities are fully accessible spaces. Please call for a list of sign-interpreted, audio-described or open-captioned performances. Large print programs are available at all times. Publications are available with advanced notice in alternate formats.

Premiere Stages is made possible in part through funding from The New Jersey State Council on the Arts, The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, The Provident Bank Foundation, The New Jersey Theatre Alliance, and through the generous support of individual patrons.

To reserve tickets, join Premiere Stages' mailing list, and/or to request a season brochure, email premiere@kean.edu or call 908-737-4092. Website: www.kean.edu/premierestages. The Kean University campus is located at 1000 Morris Ave in Union, NJ.