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The Zoo Story

The Zoo Story is Edward Albee’s one-act play about isolation in a world of growing commercialism and consumerism. Originally staged in 1959, it was Albee’s first produced work, yet its themes of loneliness and the desire for human interaction are as relevant today as they were then. The play, Edge Theatre’s latest production, dramatizes the exchange between characters Jerry (Travis Ammons) and Peter (Andrew Adams), who meet by chance on a bench in Central Park. Jerry just wants to talk to someone, and he does, much to the growing discomfort of Peter. The play’s climax is a shocking and unsettling take on what happens when a person will do anything for a little human connection.

Albee’s play will be accompanied by Salty Dog, a comedy by Edge Artistic Director Jim Tommaney (he’s also a theater critic for the Houston Press). The pairing is a fitting one, as Tommaney’s comedy underscores the thematic content of The Zoo Story by bringing it into the contemporary context of reality television. The premise? An 84-year-old man attempts to become a contestant on the 28th iteration of Survivor. To become the last man standing, he’ll have to survive seven weeks in the subway system of New York City. Laughs are sure to be abundant. 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays. Through July 15. Midtown Art Center, 3414 La Branch.
Fridays-Sundays. Starts: June 29. Continues through July 15, 2012

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Adam Castaneda
Contact: Adam Castaneda