Loft Ensemble Production of TRACERS at LA Fringe Theatre Is Extended Due to Popular Demand

July 7, 2010 - PRLog -- The LOFT Ensemble in the Little Tokyo Arts District presents a new production of TRACERS. TRACERS tracks the surreal journey of six enlisted men through the Vietnam experience and it’s after effects. These six “maggots” fight to maintain their humanity amid the body bags, drugs, rats, prostitutes, death, and all the horrors they have encountered.  

LA Weekly gave it a “GO” saying, “the imaginative production is compelling”, “directed by Christina Howard with insight and skill”, and that the “talents of Howard’s adept ensemble collectively emerge”.  LA Talk Radio, State of the Arts LA says, “the cast is uniformly excellent…it’s incredible ensemble work.” They also went on to say “it’s an incredible frenetic, manic production…you lose about 5 lbs. just watching this show”; it is “highly recommended.”

TRACERS was conceived by writer/director John DiFusco who created the play through workshops with a group of Vietnam Vets/actors: Vincent Caristi, Richard Chaves, Eric E. Emerson, Rick Gallavan, Merlin Marston, Harry Stephens, and writer Sheldon Lettich. John DiFusco has received several awards, including the New York Drama Desk Award and The Los Angeles Drama Critics’ Circle Award. His most recent play WALK’N THRU THE FIRE premiered at the Hayworth Theatre (Los Angeles) with rave reviews and is now on LA Weekly Steven Mikulan’s 2007 New Plays Ten Best list.  DiFusco will be appearing as Sergeant Williams in TRACERS on Saturday, August 7, 2010.

Artistic Director Christina Howard directs using Viewpoints Techniques to dig deeply into each actor’s soul, finding the truth and spirit of each character. Howard uses tribal and ritualistic elements to dramatize the spirit of the soldier that lies within us and the spirits of the soldiers who have passed.

Tucker Smallwood, a Vietnam Vet and accomplished actor, joins the LOFT Ensemble as Sergeant Williams, bringing his own personal experience and wisdom to the production. Tucker Smallwood has an extensive acting resume, with roles on shows such as Star Trek: Enterprise, and The Sarah Silverman Program, and has performed in several productions for the Mark Taper, Cast Theater, and Odyssey Theater.

To see the EOE interview with John DiFusco, please go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_H5_YdeESU



When:   Saturdays July 10th, 17th, 24th, & 31st, and August 7th, & 14th at 8PM
Where:  L.A. Fringe Theatre, 929 E. 2nd St. Studio 105, Los Angeles, CA 90012

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The Eye on Entertainment team covers entertainment and music events, film festivals, red carpets and award shows, and features interviews with successful people in all walks of life, exploring the traits they have in common. Dawna Lee Heising, EOE executive producer and host, is a member of SAG & AFTRA, has an MBA and PhD and is Ms. Universe 2010.