Asolo Rep Presents The 2017 Broadway Hit: A DOLL'S HOUSE, PART 2

Asolo Repertory Theatre continues its 60th season with Lucas Hnath's A DOLL'S HOUSE, PART 2. The 2017 Broadway premiere was nominated for 8 Tony Awards, including Best Play, and garnered a Best Actress Tony Award for Laurie Metcalf. Helmed by longtime Asolo Rep favorite Peter Amster, this hilariously imagined sequel to the Ibsen classic previews January 16 and 17, opens January 18 and runs through March 31 in rotating repertory in the Mertz Theatre, located in the FSU Center for the Performing Arts.

It was the door slam heard around the world: Nora Helmer did the unthinkable when she abandoned her husband, Torvald, and children to put her own happiness first. A DOLL'S HOUSE, PART 2 picks up 15 years later in the Helmer home where, in some ways, time has stood still. Nora, who has a successful career and exciting life of her own, returns to her former home in need of help from the man she walked away from. A poignant look at the ways women's roles in and out of the home have and have not changed, this surprisingly fresh new comedy turns the Ibsen classic on its head.

"We are fascinated by Nora because the epiphany she has at the end of Ibsen's original is so trenchant and volcanic," said Director Peter Amster. "Ibsen's A Doll's House is a domestic comic drama up until the moment that Torvald reacts to the revelation of Nora's forgery. From that point on, the character of Nora starts to expand. She makes a huge, brave, dangerous choice. And then she disappears. It's like someone suddenly turning into superman and flying away. What does Nora experience after the final curtain falls? A tragedy? A romance? An adventure? Our imaginations are irresistibly pulled by Nora out that door."

At Asolo Rep, Peter Amster's productions are a highlight each season, including Born Yesterday (2017) and You Can't Take it With You (2013), which were both praised by the Wall Street Journal. His other work at the theatre includes Morning After Grace, The Matchmaker, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, Fallen Angels and more. His work has also been seen at Steppenwolf, the Goodman, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, ACT, Syracuse Stage, Geva Theatre and Indiana Repertory Theatre.

"The brilliant Peter Amster has a way of making every comedy a fresh, fun surprise for our audiences," said Asolo Rep Producing Artistic Director Michael Donald Edwards. "I am thrilled for our audiences to see his extraordinary vision for A DOLL'S HOUSE, PART 2; which is not only one of the smartest comedies that I've seen in years but also a compelling look at the evolution of gender roles and stereotypes."

Real life married couple Kate Hampton and David Breitbarth star as Nora and Torvald. Kate Hampton returns to Asolo Rep, where she previously appeared in Fallen Angels, God of Carnage, Once in a Lifetime, and more. Her New York Theater credits include The Master Builder (BAM), All My Sons (Roundabout), and The Typographer's Dream (Clubbed Thumb). Regionally she has appeared at Florida Rep, Palm Beach Dramaworks, Peterborough Players, Williamstown and more. David Breitbarth has performed in more than 80 productions at Asolo Rep, including Rhinoceros, The Little Foxes, The Grapes of Wrath, Twelve Angry Men and more.

Peggy Roeder plays the Helmer family's longtime housekeeper Anne Marie. At Asolo Rep, she previously appeared in Shakespeare in Love, The Grapes of Wrath, The Matchmaker, Good People and more. Regionally she has performed at Steppenwolf, the Goodman, Milwaukee Rep, the Muny and more. Third year FSU/Asolo Conservatory student Olivia Osol, who makes her Asolo Rep debut this season, plays Nora and Torvald's daughter, Emmy.

PUBLIC PROGRAMMING

The Scoop

One hour prior to every performance of A DOLL'S HOUSE, PART 2

Arrive one hour before curtain to hear the ideas and inspirations that contributed to the making of A DOLL'S HOUSE, PART 2 (Opening Night, January 18, is excluded.)

Inside Asolo Rep: THE CRUCIBLE and A DOLL'S HOUSE, PART 2

Tuesday, January 22 at 11amCook Theatre10:30am: Enjoy coffee and light bites by Muse at the Ringling, and visit the Designing Women Boutique Pop-Up Shop
Panel discussions are $5; and free for all donors at the Cherubim Angles level and higher and Asolo Rep Guild Members

Get rare insights into the artistic process, hear directly from the people responsible for producing THE CRUCIBLE and A DOLL'S HOUSE, PART 2 and engage in stimulating discussion inspired by the plays' themes and issues. Inside Asolo Rep is sponsored by Muse at the Ringling, Designing Women Boutique and The Observer

Tuesday Talkbacks

January 22, February 19, March 12Asolo Rep's Mezzanine

Join us for an intimate post-show discussion with featured actors following every Tuesday performance of A DOLL'S HOUSE, PART 2.

Sunday Salon

Sunday, February 24

Asolo Rep's Mezzanine

Reflect on your experience through a lively and informative post-show discussion following select Sunday matinees in the Mertz and Cook Theatres. Featuring members of Asolo Rep's Artistic Department and special guests.

OUT@AsoloRep: A DOLL'S HOUSE, PART 2 [Sold Out]

Thursday, February 21 at 6:30pm; performance at 7:30pm Asolo Rep's Mezzanine Contact Asolo Rep's Box Office for subscription and ticket information.

Now in its ninth season, OUT@AsoloRep is Sarasota's premier cultural event connecting local Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender communities with fantastic theatre. Enjoy a pre-show reception and learn about participating LGBT organizations, and gain personal insight into A DOLL'S HOUSE, PART 2 from the creative team and cast members. OUT@AsoloRep is sponsored by Morton's Gourmet Market & Catering, CAN Community Health and Sabal Palm Bank.

A DOLL'S HOUSE, PART 2 IllumiNation Event

Wednesday, March 6 at 6:30pm; performance at 7:30pm
Pre-show reception and a post-show community conversation held on the Mezzanine
Performance in the Mertz Theatre
Contact Asolo Rep's Box Office for series package information and single performance tickets.

A stimulating series of theatre and conversation exploring the topical and social themes threaded throughout our season. IllumiNation events begin one hour prior to curtain with a reception on the mezzanine, continue with the performance, and conclude with a conversation.

The IllumiNation series is made possible, in part, with support from the Koski Family Foundation, Morton's Gourmet Market & Catering, and The Observer

Tickets for A DOLL'S HOUSE, PART 2 and the entire 2018-19 Asolo Repertory Theatre season are on sale now. Tickets for A DOLL'S HOUSE, PART 2 start at $29. To purchase tickets, call 941.351.8000 or 800.361.8388, visit www.asolorep.org, or visit the Asolo Repertory Theatre Box Office, located in the lobby of the theatre. Asolo Repertory Theatre is located at 5555 North Tamiami Trail in the Florida State University Center for the Performing Arts.

The Box Office is open Monday 10am - 5pm, Tuesday - Thursday 10am - 7:30pm, Friday - Saturday 10am - 8pm, and Sunday 10am - 2pm. The box office closes at 5pm when there are no evening performances and phone lines close one hour prior to the start of any performance. Season subscription packages are also available online and by visiting or calling the box office.