Photo Flash: First Look at Lauren Kennedy, Lisa Brescia, and More in AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY

Television audiences know her for her diversity of characters. For soap opera enthusiasts, Dorothy Lyman* is remembered for her work as Opal Gardner on All My Children. For sitcom fans, her brassy southern belle persona, Naomi Harper kept Mama's Family audiences in stitches. Now, the twotime Emmy Award© winning actress makes her way back to her first love, the stage, as Violet Weston in the 2008 Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning masterpiece August: Osage County November 29- December 9 at the Fletcher Opera Theater.

Check out production shots below!

Alongside Lauren Kennedy* (Spamalot, Les Miserables), Lisa Brescia* (Mamma Mia!, Wicked) and Pamela Dunlap* (Mad Men, Commander in Chief), August: Osage County by Tracy Letts, tells the story of a large extended family that comes together at their rural Oklahoma homestead when the alcoholic patriarch disappears. Forced to confront unspoken truths and astonishing secrets, the family must also contend with Violet, a pill-popping, deeply unsettled grandmother at the center of this storm.

For Lyman* working on such a powerful piece of material hits close to home. "I feel I understand Violet Weston completely", says Lyman*, who's own mother had a similar gothic southern upbringing as the character she portrays. When asked about working with Hot Summer Nights | Theatre Raleigh, Lyman* added, "Their trust in me is enormous. This is a monstrous role. I am always looking for new artistic homes and perhaps Raleigh will become one!" For Kennedy* who is not only performing in the play but is the theatre company's Artistic Director, bringing the show to her hometown is a dream come true. "Ever since I saw August: Osage County on Broadway in 2008, I have been desperate to produce it here in Raleigh, says Kennedy*, who added, "It was the best hours I have ever spent in the theatre!"

In addition to Lyman* (Violet), Kennedy* (Karen), Brescia* (Ivy) and Dunlap* (Mattie Fae), Hot Summer Nights | Theatre Raleigh veteran director Eric Woodall leads a powerful cast that also includes Phil Crone (Beverly), Julie Fishell* (Barbara), Jeffrey West* (Bill), Mary Mattison Vallery (Jean), Jesse Gephart (Little Charles), Paul Paliyenko (Charles), Estes Tarver* (Steve), Kathleen Lynch (Johnna) and David McClutchey (Sheriff Gilbeau).

The production team also includes Chris Bernier (Set Designer), Jennifer Becker (Lighting Designer), Eric Collins (Sound Designer), Denise Schumaker (Costume Designer), Eileen Tack (Props Mistress), Lauren Juengel (Stage Manager), Alan Campbell (Executive Director), Hilary Russo (Publicity & Media Relations Director), Adam Twiss (Associate Artistic Director), Michele Weathers (General Manager), Liz Ray (Assistant Director) and Morgan Parpan (Assistant Stage Manager).

August Osage County runs November 29-December 9 at the Fletcher Opera Theater in the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts Thursdays-Saturdays at 8PM and Sundays at 3PM. Tickets range from $24-$35 and can be ordered through ovationtix.com or by visiting the company's website. For mature audiences. Strong adult language and themes. For more information about Hot Summer Nights | Theatre Raleigh, visit HotSummerNightsAtTheKennedy.org. 

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