Carlsbad Playreaders Presents 'Superior Donuts' June 18

"As a director, there is nothing better than working with first-rate material. Without question, Superior Donuts falls into that category,” said Eric Bishop, director of Carlsbad Playreaders upcoming reading on June 18 at 7:30 p.m.  

“The dialogue is unflinchingly honest, naturalistic and well developed,” continued Bishop. “The characters are beautifully juxtaposed for some brilliant pairing and often hilarious contrasts. Playwright Tracy Letts’ writing is full of nuance, surprises and humor.  Working on this play has been a dream come true!"

With Superior Donuts, Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Letts weaves a humorous tale of unlikely friendship in one of Chicago's most diverse neighborhoods. Aging hippie Arthur Przybyszewski owns a decrepit donut shop in a rapidly changing community. Franco Wicks, an African American teenager and his only employee, wants to change the shop for the better. This provocative comedy explores the challenges of embracing the past and the redemptive power of loyalty and friendship. "Rich and satisfying...A source of comic bliss...the wit is sharp...a rich vein of feeling runs through the drama," raved the Los Angeles Times.

The play reading will take place at Carlsbad City Library’s Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium, located at 1775 Dove Lane. Donations are taken at the door; there are no advance reservations. Suggested donations are $5 for adults and $1 for students.

The cast features Dmitriy Demidov, Richard Johnson, Trina Kaplan, Bernard X. Kopsho, Kate McKnight, Durwood Murray, Nathan Riley, Allan Salkin and Walter Smith.

Bishop is a professor and current Department Chair of Performing Arts at MiraCosta College. He directed several play readings for Carlsbad Playreaders as well as serving as artistic director for the 2010 and 2011 seasons. Bishop has also directed at Moonlight Stage Productions, Scripps Ranch Theatre, La Jolla Stage Company, Southwest Shakespeare Conservatory, Utah State University, and was a Resident Artist at PCPA Theaterfest.

For more information, visit carlsbadplayreaders.org or call 760-602-2012.