written by Harry Davis NOW PLAYING THRU APRIL 6! World Premiere #76: from the Central Works Writers Workshop
directed by Gary Graves
Mar 1–Mar 30
4 more performances on April 3, 4, 5 & 6
A new play about young men
“One must imagine Sisyphus jacked and tan…”
Clark is a young man at the age of 24. After a devastating breakup, resulting in a brief stay at a mental health facility, he reconnects with his childhood friend Nolan, now an amateur bodybuilder determined to get his Pro Card. Nolan agrees to get his old friend “totally jacked” if Clark will be his competition coach. Together these two set out on a journey of physical perfection through a regimen of discipline, drinking your milk, and the 7 Compulsory Poses. A pathway to fulfillment, or a dangerous delusion?
Mature audience advisory:
This production contains sexually explicit themes and language. Audience discretion advised. Recommended for ages 16+
Mask required performances:
March 8, 16, 22, 30
April 5
Push/Pull is a Chronicle DATEBOOK PICK!
The SF Bay Area Theater Critics’ Circle says “Go See” Push/Pull!
Single Tickets
Fri-Sun: $35-45
Thu & previews: pay-what-you-can
Day of Performance Discounts
Fri-Sun: sliding scale $45-$20 at noon day of show
Information & subscriber reservations
Call 510.558.1381
Please note: We reserve seats only for subscribers; general seating for all other ticket-holders.
Performance calendar
(note 7pm showtime on Saturdays!)
| Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 27 8pm Preview |
28 8pm Preview |
Mar 1 7pm Opening |
2 5pm |
| 6 8pm |
7 8pm |
8 7pm |
9 5pm |
| 13 8pm |
14 8pm |
15 7pm |
16 5pm |
| 20 8pm |
21 8pm |
22 7pm |
23 5pm |
| 27 8pm |
28 8pm |
29 7pm |
30 5pm |
| Apr 3 8pm |
4 8pm |
5 7pm |
6 5pm |
Running Time
75 minutes with no intermission
Andre Amarotico* (Clark)
Matthew Kropschot (Nolan)
Stage Management: Natalia Rivera-Ramos
Costume design: Tammy Berlin
Carpenter/Scenic: Joe Nemeth
Sound design: Gregory Scharpen
Production Sponsors: Michael Davis & Jane Martin and Patricia Milton & David Harder
* appears through the courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
Nolan (Matthew Kropschot, l.) wants to get his body-building Pro-card, and asks his school-friend Clark (Andre Amarotico*) to help him win the amateur competition.
Central Works presents world premiere #76: Push/Pull by Harry Davis, Mar 1-Mar 30 at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Avenue, Berkeley.
Photo by Robbie Sweeny
After a difficult breakup lands him in a mental health facility, Clark (Andre Amarotico*) wonders if body size, symmetry and physical strength can help him feel whole.
Central Works presents world premiere #76: Push/Pull by Harry Davis, Mar 1-Mar 30 at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Avenue, Berkeley.
Photo by Robbie Sweeney
Nolan (Matthew Kropschot) will stop at nothing to meet his goal: getting totally jacked!
Central Works presents world premiere #76: Push/Pull by Harry Davis, Mar 1-Mar 30 at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Avenue, Berkeley.
Photo by Robbie Sweeny
Clark (Andre Amarotico*) and Nolan (Matthew Kropschot) set out on a journey of physical perfection through a regimen of discipline, drinking milk, and the 7 Compulsory Poses…but at what cost?
Central Works presents world premiere #76: Push/Pull by Harry Davis, Mar 1-Mar 30 at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Avenue, Berkeley.
More photos HERE
Photo by Robbie Sweeny
*member AEA
SF Chronicle DATEBOOK Theater Pick: a “smart, agile two-hander” -L. Janiak
Push/Pull is triumphant…gripping and touching at the same time. Chuck Louden, Stage and Cinema
“Push/Pull is a visceral ceremony of manhood” -P. Morin, Front Row Review
“Harry Davis’s writing, the two exceptionally well-acted performances, and Gary Graves’ direction create a deep emotional engagement.”-E. Mendel, Culture Vulture
“a groundbreaking play… stunningly directed…and beautifully performed” -B Horwitz, Theatrius
“Push/Pull does some heavy lifting” S. Hogarty, EB Times
*******************************************************
More Production Photos:
Nolan (Matthew Kropschot) displaying the Double Biceps pose
Nolan (Matthew Kropschot) dreams of getting his Pro card
Nolan (Matthew Kropschot) continues his poses
Clark (Andre Amarotico* below) admits to Nolan (Matthew Kropschot) his fears of becoming a “toxic ex-boyfriend”
If everyone in the competition is doping, is it cheating do it too?
(Matthew Kropschot in background)
