Murphys, CA…The Whipping Man Opens February 8th at Murphys Creek Theatre! Murphys Creek Theatre opens its 2019 season with the powerful Civil War era drama ‘The Whipping Man’ written by Matthew Lopez. The story is a gripping one from the moment the curtains open. What makes us Free? Can the secrets we keep destroy us or the people we hold most dear? These are two main questions Murphys Creek Theatres 2019 season opener, The Whipping Man, boldly asks.

OPENING WEEKEND CELEBRATES FRIENDS – use Voucher code word FREEDOM when ordering tickets online at www.murphyscreektheatre.org and you can get a ticket for TWO Admissions for the price of one.

April 1865, the Civil War is over and throughout the South, slaves are being freed, soldiers are returning home and in Jewish homes, the annual celebration of Passover is being celebrated. Returning home is the severely wounded Confederate captain, Caleb DeLeon. His family home is abandoned and in ruins, save for two former slaves, Simon and John, who wait for the family’s return. As the three men wait, they wrestle with their shared past, the irony of Jewish slave owning and the reality of the new world in which they find themselves.

Taking the Directors helm, is local favorite Don Bilotti, who has directed such powerful plays as August: Osage County, Equivication and ‘Grapes of Wrath.

“When I first read ‘Whipping Man’ a few years ago, I knew I had to be involved with it someday, somehow.” says director Don Bilotti. “It is a modern masterpiece of power, humanity and profound wisdom. It is about people who have gone through a man-made hell and, despite the obstacles of time and place, the ravages of hate and fear, are still striving to find a common ground on which they can build their lives. For me, this is a story of compassion, forgiveness and acceptance. As I look at a world increasing torn apart, it’s important to find the things that bind us together.” “The piece demands the most from its three actors. It is explosive, searing, tender and, at times even funny.” Bilotti continues. “You need a tremendously gifted and nimble cast to pull it off and luckily we have one. Working together with Dwight Mahabir, Levi Lowe and Robbie Allen has been a delight.”

The cast does consist of only three characters. SIMON, played by Dwight Mahabir, a now former slave who was in
charge of the household. Dwight is widely know for his portrayal in Looking Over The Presidents Shoulder. He was last seen on the MCT stage in 2018’s production of Driving Miss Daisy.

Taking on the character of JOHN is MCT newcomer Levi Lowe. An incredibly talented young actor and spoken word poet from the Tuolumne county area. He is a two time winner of the California Arts Council’s Poetry Out Loud competition.

Rounding out the trio as CALEB DELEON is new MCT Artistic Director, Robbie Allen, who was last seen as Giles Ralston in The Mousetrap in which he also directed.

The set is being designed and built by Micki Dambacher, who’s incredible work was showcased throughout the 2018 season.

Costumes are by Laura Dyken and Kathleen Lowe.

Please join us for this amazing glimpse into American History and dive into what truly makes us all, human.
Parental Advisory: The show has adult content and powerful imagery.

The Whipping Man runs weekends from February 8th through March 3rd, and plays Fridays, and Saturdays at 7pm and
Sundays at 2pm. Tickets cost $24 for general admission, $22 for Seniors and Students. Discounted Group Tickets are available for groups of 10 or more. Call 209-728-8422 for information and reservations, or online at www.murphyscreektheatre.org