Emmy-nominated actor John Heard to lead cast of Powerhouse Theater’s season opener ‘’Last Chance for a Slow Dance,'’ June 28- July 12

John Heard, an actor whose career spans three decades and includes work on stage, in film, and on television, will appear as "Sheriff Cole" in the world premiere of playwright Zach Helm's latest play, "Last Chance for a Slow Dance."



Heard has starred in over 70 films, including "Beaches," "Big," and the Oscar-nominated "Pollock." Audiences may be most familiar with the actor from his supporting role as Macaulay Culkin's father in "Home Alone" and "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York."



In 1999 Heard was nominated for an Emmy Award for his portrayal of Detective Vin Makazian in "The Sopranos." He has also guest-starred in numerous episodes of "Law and Order" and was most recently seen in an episode of the hit series "C.S.I.: Miami."



Along with his work in television and film, John Heard has appeared in many theatrical productions, receiving the 1976-77 Theatre World Award for his performance in the military drama "Streamers."



This summer, Heard returns to Powerhouse, having last appeared here in 1994 in "Revelers" by Pulitzer-Prize winner Beth Henley. This season's world premiere, "Last Chance for a Slow Dance," tells a story of intrigue at a deserted small town restaurant. Is it murder, arson, or just a cosmic joke? Heard will appear as Sheriff Cole, the hard-edged but downtrodden cop who seeks to redeem an unsuccessful career by solving one last crime before retirement. By unraveling the bizarre events occurring in his town, Sheriff Cole hopes to bring closure to a haunting murder that has eluded him for over ten years.



"Last Chance for a Slow Dance" will be the first main stage production of the 2003 Powerhouse Theater season. Directed by Michael Morris, the play will premiere June 28 and run through July 12. Tickets may be purchased beginning June 3 by calling (845) 437-7235 or (845) 437-5599, or by visiting the Box Office at Vassar College in person. Since 1985, Vassar and New York Stage and Film's Powerhouse Summer Theater Season has produced remarkable works of theater and trained an entire generation of young artists through the apprentice-training program. For the past 19 years, Powerhouse has made Poughkeepsie a theater destination for thousands.



For further information, please contact Beth Fargis-Lancaster, executive producer of Powerhouse Summer Theater Program, at (845) 437-5902.

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations or information on accessibility should contact Campus Activities Office at (845) 437-5370. Without sufficient notice, appropriate space and/or assistance may not be available.

Vassar College is a highly selective, coeducational, independent, residential liberal arts college founded in 1861.

This article was posted on Saturday, June 28th, 2003.