SSC Artistic Director Marco Barricelli to share stage with UCSC Theater Arts Professor Patty Gallagher

SANTA CRUZ, CA – Shakespeare Santa Cruz Artistic Director Marco Barricelli is slated to take the stage in a dramatic reading of Mark Twain’s the "Diaries of Adam and Eve", adapted and edited by David Birney, a witty and touching look at the differences between the sexes as seen through the eyes of the original Man and Woman.

Joining Mr. Barricelli’s ‘Adam’ as his ‘Eve’ is UC Santa Cruz Theater Arts Professor Patty Gallagher. Ms. Gallagher’s work as an actor, teacher, choreographer and director has been presented in theatres in U.S. , Asia, South America and Europe . She was most recently lauded for her turn in the title role of Virginia Woolf’s Orlando at The Rogue Theatre in Tuscon , Arizona , where she also serves as Artistic Associate. This summer, Ms. Gallagher will serve as choreographer for SSC’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and will direct SSC’s Fringe Show, School for Fiancé(e)s by fellow UCSC Theater Arts professor James Bierman.

This special event marks the first time Artistic Director Barricelli, a veteran theatre actor whose resumé includes stints at A.C.T. in San Francisco and Ashland’s Oregon Shakespeare Festival, will take the SSC stage since assuming the creative reigns in November 2007. And he does so with delight: “My focus since coming on board as Artistic Director has been, and continues to be, the artistic development and shepherding of a stellar repertory season here at SSC. But I do confess, I am thrilled with this chance to step onto this particular stage as an actor and to work with Patty, who is an extraordinary talent.”

“This new creature with the long hair is a good deal in the way. It is always hanging around and following me about… I wish it would stay with the other animals.” – Adam, The Diaries of Adam and Eve

Birney’s 2003 adaptation for the stage is based on two short stories by Twain, Adam’s Diary (1893) and Eve’s Diary (1905). The latter, written after the death of Twain’s wife Livy, has often been thought of as a sort of literary eulogy to his wife of 34 years. Filled with wry humor and warmth, The Diaries of Adam and Eve is a comic gem from one of America 's most beloved humorists.

WHO:               Marco Barricelli and Patty Gallagher

WHAT:             Dramatic Reading of Mark Twain’s the "Diaries of Adam and Eve"

WHERE:           UC Santa Cruz Mainstage Theatre, 1156 High Street , Santa Cruz

WHEN:             Sunday, April 5, 2009, 2:00 PM • Audience Q&A directly follows

COST:             Value: $15; Gallery: $22; Classic: $39; Garden of Eden/Premium: $50.

All pricing includes applicable services fees. Premium ticket   includes Garden of Eden Reception with the artists after audience Q&A.

TICKETS:        Purchase online at santacruztickets.comor call the UCSC Ticket Office at (831) 459-2159

INFO:               www.shakespearesantacruz.org