Marathon: A Comedy In 26.2 Scenes

By Luna Lovegood Nov 9, 2004, 4:17 GMT

Marathon follows Faye, a workaholic whose best friend signs her up for the marathon as a practical joke. Unable to turn down a challenge, Faye begins her journey to the 2004 New York City Marathon and goes from cynic to champion as she penetrates the world of running, meeting a wide range of eccentric characters along the way. True to the infamous 26.2-mile distance of the modern marathon, the play unfolds in 26.2 short, side-splitting scenes.

Writer/Director Ciara Pressler draws from her own journey to the 2004 New York City Marathon - her first - in this autobiographical account. Ms. Pressler has worked as a performer, writer, and director in New York and beyond, and has taught improvisational comedy as an artist-in-residence in New York City schools. Her recent projects include writing and starring in You Tell Me, an independent feature premiering in December 2004; and head writer for The Great American Game Show, presented in September 2004 by Mixed Company, New York’s multiracial, multicultural theatre collective, of which she is a member.

Marathon features an ensemble cast of seven actors, all hailing from a professional background in comedy and improvisation. Will Cefalo, Adrienne Harris, Aida Lembo, Matty Merrill, Emily Morrison, Bones Rodriguez, and Laura Valpey bring life to 13 diverse, hilarious characters. Lauren Arneson is the production stage manager.

Performances are November 19-21, 2004, Friday through Sunday at 8:00pm at Altered Stages, located at 212 West 29th Street. Tickets are $15 and available through SmartTix, (212) 868-4444 or www.SmartTix.com.

For more information:
Visit: www.marathontheplay.info