Event

The Ugly One

"You are ugly. It's a fact. I can't believe you didn't know."

Ensemble Studio Theatre Los Angeles presents the west coast premiere of Marius Von Mayenburg's hilarious play. Enter a world where nothing can be taken at face value with this scalpel-sharp social satire from one of Germany's most notable contemporary playwrights.

By Marius Von Mayenburg, Translated by Maja Zade

Starring Robert Joy, Tony Pasqualini, Eve Gordon and Peter Larney

Directed by Gates McFadden (Star Trek: The Next Generation)

"What an incredible stage experience. Gates McFadden has put together an amazing cast and staged this theatrical gem in what some might imagine would be an impossibly small space for the amount of activity involved. But she imagined what could be done, and voila..
And with actors the caliber of Robert Joy, Eve Gordon et al, you'll be well entertained!" Hettie Lynne Hurtes

"One of the most outstanding theatrical productions I have seen in years. McFadden is a rare breed of director with taste, who consistently knows how to use video projections and get the most out of a seemingly empty room. Best of all she has a wonderful sense of what she can do with a piece of writing, and her imagination is matched by her no-prisoners efficiency. This highly organic and inclusive production had me actually giddy by the turn-off-your-cell-phone announcement, certainly a new experience for me. The director works her excellent actors to technical precision in timing and physicality, and they more than meet her energy. They improve on an already thrilling script, which of course is why one hires actors." - Jason Rohrer, StageandCinema.com

"Robert Joy anchors this cyclone with an everyman at once manic and reassuring. His character rides a line between Eros and Thanatos, and this hapless pilgrim has a Bob Newhart quality that makes him simultaneously likable and pathetic, someone you want to slap and cuddle both very much in tune with a show that seduced me utterly." Jason Rohrer, StageandCinema.com

"a cornucopia of visual treats and fantastic performances" with an "über-talented ensemble."- ArtsinLA.com