Houston Family Arts Center commissions new play

Houston Family Arts Center (HFAC) announced that it has commissioned New York City playwright Rob Urbinati, Director of New Play Development at Queens Theatre in the Park, to develop and write a play currently titled "Death by Design" that HFAC will world-premiere in Houston.

HFAC produced Urbinati's "West Moon Street," and adaptation of Oscar Wilde's short story "Lord Arthur Saviles Crime" in August 2010. It was during preparation for the production that Urbinati mentioned the idea for his new play. Two of HFAC's board members, Dr. Mario and Lisa Garza, provided the funds for the project.

The idea for the play stems from Urbinati's desire to develop a new work that combines the contrasting styles of Agatha Christie and Noel Coward.

Urbinati plans to have a first draft of the play completed by the end of January 2011, with the hopes of the play premiering as part of HFAC's 2011-2012 season.

Urbinati, a seasoned director and playwright, is currently the Director of New Play Development at Queens Theatre in the Park, where he curates The Immigrant Voices Project, a new play program that develops works by writers who represent the diverse demographics of New York City.

For more information, visit www.houstonfac.com or call 281-685-6374.