Washington, D.C., Nov. 29, 2000 -- On December 6 and 7, The Smithsonian Associates (TSA) and the Voice of America (VOA) will present Joyce Carol Oates' "American Appetites," starring acclaimed actor Keith Carradine and Mel Harris of TV's "Thirtysomething."  The play, adapted for the stage and directed by D.C.'s own Nick Olcott, is said to be the most provocative piece written by Oates.  A live audience of 500-plus will share in Oates' sophisticated, witty, and chilling  tale of a close-knit group of prestigious scholars in the affluent 1980s, who are shattered by tragedy and scandal.  The executive producer is Susan Albert Loewenberg, founder of L.A. Theatre Works. 

On Wednesday, Dec. 6, Golden Globe-winning actress Marsha Mason makes a special appearance before the performance of the play to read from her new autobiography, Journey-A Personal Odyssey.  Ms. Mason is  a founding member of L.A. Theatre Works and a four-time Academy Award nominee.  She will answer questions and sign copies of her book after the play. 

Performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the VOA Auditorium, VOA Headquarters, 330 Independence Avenue, S.W, Federal Center Southwest Metro.  Please use the C Street entrance.  Tickets are $35.00 general admission and $28.00 for TSA members.  For further information about ticket sales, contact The Smithsonian Associates at 202-357-3030.  "American Appetites" concludes Radio Theatre-Live's Fall 2000 Washington series. 

Radio Theatre-Live! is a production of  L.A. Theatre Works,  a pioneering laboratory for playwrights, directors, and other theater artists committed to the discovery and development of contemporary work in theater and radio.  Executive Producer Susan Albert Loewenberg's work has resulted in over 500 hours of award-winning programming.  The radio drama series in Washington is sponsored by The Capital Group Companies, Inc., the Department of State's Office of Public Diplomacy, L.A. Theatre Works, The Smithsonian Associates, Voice of America, WETA 90.9 FM, Arena Stage Theatre, Ford's Theatre, and Round House Theatre. 

The Smithsonian Associates is the membership and educational outreach arm of the Smithsonian Institution.  Through performances, lectures, classes, and seminars, TSA assists the Smithsonian in fulfilling its mission in "the increase and diffusion of knowledge." The Voice of America broadcasts world, regional, and U.S. news in 53 languages to an estimated 91 million regular listeners around the world.