American Conservatory Theater Announces Two 'Bike to the Theater' Nights

American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.), in partnership with the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition (SFBC), is providing a greener alternative to theater transportation. For two performances of the West Coast premiere of 4000 Miles-Thursday, January 17, and Thursday, January 24-A.C.T. will host Bike to the Theater Night, during which the SFBC will offer free valet bike parking for all patrons who cycle to the theater. Patrons who bike to the theater will receive a special discount on tickets that evening ($35 Orchestra, $25 Mezzanine, or $10 Balcony using code BIKE10 (online or by phone). Valet bike parking is available one hour prior to showtime. Bicycles will be attended throughout the evening. Patrons are asked to bring their own locks. For information about the SFBC, visit www.sfbike.org. To purchase tickets, visit www.act-sf.org or call 415.749.2228.

Directed by A.C.T. Associate Director Mark Rucker and recently named "#1 Play of 2012" by TIME Magazine, 4000 Miles tells the story of 21-year-old Leo, who unexpectedly arrives on the doorstep of his feisty 91-year-old grandmother Vera's New York apartment, dazed after a cross-country bike trip. Sparks fly as Vera's surprising political views collide with Leo's carefree hippie lifestyle. When Leo's estranged girlfriend shows up and he begins to reveal the mysterious events of his journey, Leo and Vera discover the fragile line between growing up and growing old. Called a "funny, moving, altogether wonderful drama" (The New York Times) and "one of the best, bravest plays of the season" (Time Out New York), 4000 Miles was the recipient of two OBIE Awards, including Best New American Play. The play had its 2011 world premiere at New York's Lincoln Center Theater, where it played to sold-out houses and received staggering accolades from critics. It will run January 17-February 10, 2013, at

A.C.T.'s Geary Theater (415 Geary Street, San Francisco). Tickets (starting at $20) are on sale now and may be purchased online at act-sf.org or by calling 415.749.2228.
A.C.T.'s production of 4000 Miles will feature screen, television, and stage veteran Susan Blommaert (The Good Wife, Boardwalk Empire, Doubt, 4000 Miles at Lincoln Center Theater) in the coveted role of Vera. She is joined by newcomer Reggie Gowland (4000 Miles at Lincoln Center Theater) as Leo. The production also features Julia Lawler (4000 Miles at Lincoln Center Theater) as Bec and Camille Mana (world premiere of Jesse Eisenberg's Asuncion, starring Eisenberg and Justin Bertha) as Amanda.

The creative team for 4000 Miles includes scenic designer Erik Flatmo (Higher and Scapin at A.C.T.), costume designer Alex Jaeger (Maple and Vine and Once in a Lifetime at A.C.T.; Looped at Pasadena Playhouse); lighting designer Alexander V. Nichols (Endgame and Play at A.C.T.; Hugh Jackman Back on Broadway and Wishful Drinking on Broadway), and sound design by Will McCandless (Higher at A.C.T.; Spunk and Blithe Spirit at California Shakespeare Theater).