UNC News Service

CHAPEL HILL -- In the play "Opus," talent and temperament collide in a behind-the-scenes look at the personal discord and professional harmony of the world's finest string quartet.

PlayMakers Repertory Company will open its 34th main-stage season Sept. 23-Oct. 11 with the regional premiere of the play by Michael Hollinger.

PlayMakers is the professional theater company in residence at UNC. All performances of "Opus" will be in the Paul Green Theatre at UNC's Center for Dramatic Art on Country Club Road.

Things threaten to unravel when the most talented member of the ensemble goes missing, and a young woman is hired to take his place. Music enriches the drama, as in the PlayMakers' hit 2008 production of "Amadeus."

Hollinger knows the world of the play intimately from his previous career as a concert violist.

His first-hand experience takes audiences behind the curtain to witness the passion and drama of the tightly strung group in his play.

BroadwayWorld.com called the show "smart, funny and ultimately shocking and downright breathtaking."

Show times will be 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3, and 2 p.m. Sundays. For a complete schedule, more information and to purchase tickets, call (919) 962-PLAY (7529) or visit www.playmakersrep.org. Tickets are $10 to $40.

On Sept. 16 at 6:30 p.m. theater-goers and others interested in the creative process are invited to the Paul Green Theatre to share wine, coffee and other refreshments; learn about the production in process; meet the director; and get a behind-the-scenes look at the design and vision for the show.

Other special events during "Opus" will include:

- Preview performances Sept. 23-25 at 8 p.m.;

- Opening night performance at 8 p.m. Sept. 26, with a complimentary gala party afterward;

- Free post-show discussions with the "Opus" creative team on Sept. 30 and Oct. 4;

- Free post-show "Mindplay" discussions sponsored by the North Carolina Psychoanalytic Society on Oct. 10 and 11; and

- an all-access performance for attendees with special needs, with sign language interpretation and audio description, on Oct. 6.

The Drama League has named PlayMakers one of the "best regional theatre companies in America."