Stoneham Theatre Presents the New England Premiere of Uncanny Valley

Stoneham Theatre continues its 17th Season with Uncanny Valley by Thomas Gibbons, Directed by Weylin Symes. In the not too distant future, researchers have developed a means of extending the human lifespan through Artificial Intelligence (the "uncanny valley" refers to the discomfort people feel when confronted by objects that look and move almost, but not quite like real humans).

As Claire, a neuroscientist at a life extension laboratory, charts her relationship with a non-biological human named Julian, a painful divide is discovered. Ultimately, Claire must come face to face with her creation... Filled with moral ambiguity, Uncanny Valley asks, how far are we willing to go to forget, while insisting on never being forgotten? Performances run from October 6 - 23, 2016. The Press Opening is Saturday, October 8, 2016 at 3:00pm.

Shares Symes, "I chose this play because I was fascinated by the questions it explores. It invites us to examine some uncomfortable questions about both the role of technology in our world and the role of wealth and privilege: Who gets access to scientific breakthroughs? Is it only the wealthy or should it be for all of us? On a large scale, the play asks: Just because we can do something, does that mean we should do it? And do we really know the ramifications and results of all of this technology? And even more interestingly, it wonders what happens to the younger generation if the older generation never dies."

Lewis D. Wheeler stars as Julian, the robotic product of a life extension laboratory. Nancy E. Carroll stars as Claire, the neuroscientist tasked with teaching him to be human. "Nancy is a Boston treasure and working with her is like a master-class in acting. It's truly a joy. And Lewis is another Boston stalwart who I am thrilled to get to work with again. Together, they make the unusual process of creating an artificial human on stage both riveting and enjoyable," says Symes.

The design team is comprised of Scenic Designer Crystal Tiala, Lighting Designer Chris Fournier, Costume Designer Rachel Padula-Shufelt, Sound Designer David Remedios, and Props Master Jacob Street.

Single Tickets for Uncanny Valley: $45-$50 Adults; $40-45 Seniors; $20 Students (with valid ID). Thrifty Thursday tickets cost $15 at the door and are available for the Thursday, October 6, 2016 performance at 7:30pm. Student Rush Tickets start one hour prior to each performance, and 2 Student tickets may be purchased for the price of one (subject to availability). For more information or to purchase tickets, call Stoneham Theatre's Box Office at (781) 279-2200, or visitwww.stonehamtheatre.org.