PlayhouseSquare to Welcome YOU SAY TOMATO, I SAY SHUT UP!, 2/5-17

Celebrate 2013, with You Say Tomato, I Say Shut Up!, continuing its National Tour starring Kevin Bartini and Gabrielle Mirabella at the 14th Street Theatre at PlayhouseSquare for a limited engagement, February 5 through February 17. You Say Tomato, I Say Shut Up! is a part of the U. S. Bank Star Performance Series.

After 17 years of marriage, writers-actors-and real-life-married-couple Annabelle Gurwitch ("Dinner and a Movie," Fired!) and Jeff Kahn ("The Ben Stiller Show," Forty Year Old Virgin) have adapted their hilarious, often moving, memoir, You Say Tomato, I Say Shut Up! for the stage. Directed by Patrick Walsh (based on the original direction by Darren Katz), You Say Tomato, I Say Shut Up!

In this 75-minute tour de force, You Say Tomato, I Say Shut Up! takes a humorous look at a relationship that seemed doomed by opposing personalities from the start. After trials and tribulations they learn to navigate the conflicts that come with romance, money, and children by embracing each other's differences, taking on parenting as a competitive sport, and dropping out of couple's therapy. Their delightfully crazy lifestyle has managed to keep their relationship intact, up-ending every idea you ever had about living "happily ever after."

This uproariously funny story is sure to strike both laughter and terror into the hearts of any couple (not to mention every single man or woman who is contemplating the connubial state). The book was developed through sold-out performances at The Comedy Central Theatre and at Upright Citizens Brigade in Los Angeles, and made its New York premiere at The New York Comedy Festival 2009.

GABRIELLE MIRABELLA (Annabelle) is a Florida native with a degree from the Manhattan School of Music. After studying in NYC for both theater and opera, Mirabella is busy cramming as many new and wonderful opportunities into her career as possible. Favorite regional theater credits include Velma in Hairspray and Laura in Swing!

KEVIN BARTINI (Jeff) Comedy fans the world over have taken notice of Kevin Bartini's cutting edge, quick witted biting sense of humor. After ten years honing his skills in New York City, Kevin has become one of the brightest new stars on the comedy landscape. Kevin's easygoing likeable persona combined with lightning fast improvisational skills make him one of the most sought after audience warm up comics in the television industry. Currently Kevin can be seen warming up the audience at The Daily Show with Jon Stewart as well as Bunk on IFC. He has also worked for two seasons as an audience warm-up comic for Who Wants To Be a Millionaire. Movie fans and comedy fans may best know Kevin as the creator and star of The Movie Preview Review Podcast. On each episode Kevin reviews a new release after having only seen the movie's previews. The MPR Podcast has become a viral sensation attracting a worldwide fan base. Kevin has also appeared on television on Discovery Channels Cash Cab, The Game Show Network's Newlywed Game and NBC's Saturday Night Live. Kevin got his start in theater working with the likes of The Williamstown Theater Company, Barrington Stage Company and Shakespeare and Company. He can currently be seen touring nationally with You Say Tomato I say Shut Up. Besides being a very popular comedian Kevin is a sought after comedy writing. HBO Sports hired Kevin to write a sports themed sketch series titled Got No Game. This popular multi episode series was a hit on HBO Sports' web page and eventually on HBO's main web page as well. He has also contributed to such varied programs as MSNBC's Countdown with Keith Olbermann, Fox News' Red Eye and Comedy Central's Live at Gotham. Kevin's comedy writing has been featured numerous times on top radio programs including The Bob and Tom Show, Comical Radio, and On-Air with Ryan Seacrest. www.KevinBartini.com

You Say Tomato, I Say Shut Up! will play the 14th Street Theatre February 5 - 17. Tickets are on sale now at The PlayhouseSquare Ticket Office, via phone at 216-241-6000 or online at www.playhousesquare.org. Ticket prices range from $20.00 to $35.00. Group orders may be placed by calling 216-640-8600. For more information about You Say Tomato, I Say Shut Up! visit www.tomatoplay.com.

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