Playwrights West & CoHo Productions to Present World Premiere of Ellen Margolis LICKING BATTERIES, Begin. 8/9

Playwrights West in association with CoHo Productions proudly presents Licking Batteries, a world premiere play by Drammy award-winning playwright Ellen Margolis.

When Lucy's mother undergoes a treatment that renders her unrecognizable, Lucy begins a quest to understand the intimate impact of electricity. The key players: exposed wiring, the secret lives of household objects, and whatever grown-ups do behind closed doors.... Growing into young adulthood, Lucy gains know-how and determination, but risks letting love and life slip away. Her mother Louise, meanwhile, grasps at connections to begin making her way home. Through alternating currents of comedy and drama, realism and fantasy, Licking Batteries confronts the nature of complex grief and the irresistible urge to stand in a thunderstorm.

The Chair of Theatre & Dance at Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon, Ellen Margolis has had plays produced throughout the United States, including in Portland, New York, and St. Paul, Minnesota. Her work has been published by Playscripts, Inc. and Smith & Kraus.

Ryan Reilly, whose work often has been seen in New York and Chicago, directs Licking Batteries. The cast includes: Alex Kirby, David Knell, Summer Olsson, Rachel Rosenfeld, and Rebecca Toland. Designers include: set design by Tal Sanders, light design by J.D. Sandifer, and sound design by Em Gustason.

Licking Batteries opens August 9, 2013, and runs through August 31 at CoHo Productions (2257 NW Raleigh St, Portland, Oregon). It plays 7:30 PM on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, with Sunday matinees at 2:00 PM. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday tickets are $25, or $20 for students, educators, and distinguished citizens (age 60+). Thursday performances are Pay-What-You-Will. Post-show discussions will be held on the following Saturday evenings: August 10, 17, and 24. Tickets can be purchased though CoHo Productions, at www.cohoproductions.org, or through www.boxofficetickets.com/bot/wa/event?id=235745