Red

Stephen Rowe and Haley Joel Osment

The Philadelphia Theatre Company opens its season with the premiere of John Logan’s Tony Award-winning Red. The drama can be seen at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre, Broad and Lombard Streets through November 13. Haley Joel Osment portrays Ken, a young artist who eagerly accepts a job with master abstract expressionist Mark Rothko, portrayed by Broadway veteran Stephen Rowe. Over the passage of two years, the audience witnesses the never-ending pomposity of Rothko who ruthlessly states that it is incumbent on artists of the day to step all over outdated ideas, such as cubism. Ken, with his youth, is always trying to understand Rothko’s feelings of self-importance and in a stunning revelation near the end of his tenure in the artists’ studio, helps Rothko come to a realization about his own work. Working together, set designer James Noone and lighting designer Tyler Micoleau create Rothko’s studio which is “hermetically sealed to allow no natural light.” Movable racks, canvases and trays of supplies go far to create the illusion of an actual studio. The work of sound designer and composer Josh Schmidt adds to the mood of this piece. For tickets call 215-985-0420 or visit online at PhiladelphiaTheatreCompany.org.