Epic Theatre Center has announced casting for the United States Premiere of Einstein's Gift, a new play by Vern Thiessen, opening at the Acorn Theatre on the 6 Oct 2005, following previews from the 1 Oct 2005, and playing through to the 6 Nov 2005.

Einstein's Gift centers on the relationship between Albert Einstein and Friedrich Haber, two world famous scientists who shared little in common, but each witnessed their great discoveries used for massive destruction.

The play's cast, directed by Ron Russell, features Shawn Elliott as Albert Einstein and Aasif Mandvi as the prize-winning German chemist Dr. Fritz Haber.

Shawn Elliott has appeared on Broadway in Marie Christine and City of Angels, among others, and on television as Judge Joe Rivera on "Law and Order."

Aasif Mandvi is currently appearing in the Williamstown Theatre Festival production of Tom Stoppard's On the Razzle, and has appeared on the New York stage in Sakina's Restaurant (Obie Award), Guantanamo and Homebody/Kabul.

The cast also features James Wallert, Melissa Friedman, Sarah Winkler, Glenn Flesher, Godfrey L. Simmons, Jr., and Nilaja Sun.

The design team for Einstein's Gift is John McDermott (Scenic Design), Margaret Weedon (Costume Design), and Elizabeth Gaines (Lighting Design).

Vern Thiessen is an acclaimed Canadian playwright who has, to date, received little attention in the United States. His other plays include 'Shakespeare's Will,' 'Apple,' 'Blowfish,' and 'The Resurrection of John Frum.' He wrote the screenplay for the award-winning short, 'Samurai Swing,' which has appeared at numerous film festivals and on CBC Television. He is the former President of the Playwrights Guild of Canada.

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