FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 15, 2010

Morgan Arts Council • Berkeley Springs, WV
Press Contact only: Mary Hott
304-258-2300
www.macicehouse.org

STAGED READING AT THE ICE HOUSE

BERKELEY SPRINGS, WV ---- The Morgan Arts Council (MAC) presents the 
debut of the award-winning play "Ezra and Jake" in a staged reading at 
the Ice House on Saturday, November 20 at 7:30pm. A second show is 
scheduled for Sunday at 3pm. The play's author, Leigh Horne conducts 
an informal chat after each performance.

The staged reading marks the conclusion of the first segment of 
acting, directing and stage management classes conducted by MAC as 
part of their yearlong program of "Building Community Theater." The 
title parts of brothers Ezra and Jake are played by Russell Mohkiber, 
one of the acting students, and senior acting mentor, Tom Brooks. The 
staged reading is Mohkiber's first appearance. The production is 
stage managed by Abbie Brown, another student in the program. Jen 
Mallory, a student in the program, is technical manager of the 
reading, coached by teacher Brice Williams. The program manager and 
prime teacher, Kirsten Trump, directs the reading.

"It's exciting to have the staged reading as a type of recital for the 
opening segment of the classes," said Mary Hott, MAC's Executive 
Director. Another segment of classes is scheduled for February and 
March with a staged reading of a second locally-written play. "We've 
had rave reviews from both experienced and first-time students about 
the quality of the classes," said Hott, "and equally good reviews from 
the teachers about the quality of the students."

"Ezra and Jake" is set in the region and was inspired by a true 
story. It is the tale of two boys raised in the wilds by a madman and 
their legacy of pain. "I intended it as a meditation on the effects 
of domestic, cultural and institutional violence," said Horne who 
emphasized themes of revenge and redemption. Horne wrote the piece, 
her first play, as part of MAC's playwriting workshop earlier in 
2010. "Ezra and Jake"t went on to win first place in the West 
Virginia Writers competition.

Building Community Theater is funded in part by the National Endowment 
for the Arts and West Virginia Commission on the Arts. The Ice House 
is located on Independence and Mercer in downtownBerkeley Springs. 
For reservations call 304-258-2300 or check online at www.macicehouse.org