Rainn Wilson Stars in One-Man Show ‘Thom Pain (based on nothing)’

Sandra Miska

Rainn Wilson is best known for his Emmy-nominated role as paper salesman Dwight Schrute on “The Office” but beginning Jan. 8 the spotlight will be all his when the one man show “Thom Pain (based on nothing),” written by Will Eno and featuring Wilson, opens at the Geffen Playhouse.

Wilson, who is primarily known as a comic actor but also had a memorable recurring role on the funeral-home drama “Six Feet Under” will get to show off his full range in this play that blends comedy and tragedy. “Thom Pain” is a rambling monologue in which the protagonist discusses many unfortunate events in his life, which include a horrible bee sting, the death of his dog and a regretful experience with a woman.

According to the Geffen, Thom has been described as, “just like you, except worse. He is trying to save his life, to save your life – in that order. In his quest for salvation, he’ll stop at nothing, be distracted by nothing, except maybe a piece of lint, or the woman in the second row.”

“Thom Pain” began as a reading at Soho Theatre in London. From there it went on to be performed at the Edinburgh Festival and Off-Broadway in New York with actor James Urbaniak. The play was a finalist for the 2005 Pulitzer Prize in Drama and has been translated into more than 15 languages with more than 100 productions worldwide.

Although the two have been friends for over 20 years, this Los Angeles production of “Thom Pain” will be the first time Wilson and writer Will Eno have worked together.  According to the Geffen, Eno has been called the “Samuel Beckett for the Jon Stewart generation” by The New York Times.

OBIE Award winner Oliver Butler will be directing.

“Thom Pain (based on nothing)” will be at the Geffen Playhouse Jan. 8 – Feb. 14, 2016.