Anticipated series takes a look at American Values.

The Repertory East Playhouse will open the highly anticipated “81 Series” on Friday, April 20, at 8:00pm with the award-winning drama, Spinning Into Butter by Rebecca Gilman.

Spinning Into Butter explores the dangers of both racism and political correctness in America today. When one of the few African-American students at liberal Belmont College begins receiving hate mail, the campus erupts – first with shock, then with mutual recrimination as faculty and students alike try to prove their own tolerance by condemning one another. At the center of this maelstrom is Sarah Daniels, the dean of students. As the administration sponsors public "race forums" and the students start their activist groups, Sarah is forced to explore her own feelings of racism. Her self-examination leads to some surprising discoveries and painful insights, the consequences of which even she can't predict.

Funded through a Community Services Grant by the City of Santa Clarita , the 81 Series is a limited-engagement of four provocative pieces of theatre by well-known and respected playwrights. Most of the themes explored in the 81 Series will deal with pertinent social ideals and values of American society.

“This is a very exciting time for the REP,” said Artistic Director Ovington Michael Owston. Jason Price, President of the REP Board of Directors added, “The funding from the Community Services Grant has only solidified the dedication that the City of Santa Clarita has for the arts and for the future of the theatre district in Old Town Newhall.”

Making his directorial debut, Bill Quinn has assembled one of the finest and most talented casts ever to hit the stage at the REP. The cast includes newcomers Kristin Pfeifer, Keven Kaddi, Peter Pasco, Michael Vincent Carrera, and Nicholas Yohn. Also featured in the cast are REP veterans Daniel Lench and Christina Rideout.

Written by Rebecca Gilman, Spinning Into Butter earned her the Roger L. Stevens Award from the Kennedy Center Fund for New American Playwrights, as well as a Jeff Award for new work.  It premiered at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago and received its New York premiere at the Lincoln Center Theatre.

Spinning Into Butter opens on Friday, April 20, with a wine reception at 7:00pm and curtain at 8:00pm. The show will run through April 29. Show times are Friday and Saturdays at 8:00pm and Sundays at 2:00pm. Tickets are $17, $15 for students and seniors. Because this is a LIMITED ENGAGEMENT, advanced reservations are highly recommended. For tickets, please call the REP at 661-288-0000 or visit the website at www.repeastplayhouse.org.