Blum, Campbell, Etc. Join Rees in WTF 'The Physicists'

The Williamstown Theatre Festival has announced casting for The Physicists, which will be presented in conjunction with the Williams College Summer Theatre Lab beginning August 8 on the Center Stage. Kevin O'Rourke directs a translation by James Kirkup.

"In The Physicists, three inmates at the Cherry Trees Sanatorium believe themselves to be world famous physicists: Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton, and Johann Mobius. But are they indeed insane? And what are their actual identities -- madmen, murderers or scientists? Dürrenmatt's 1962 comedy is a provocative examination of the impact of nuclear science on global power and the moral tolls of sanity.

Mark Blum (Twelve Angry Men, The Graduate; WTF: The Waverly Gallery) plays the role of Ernst Heinrich Ernesti (Einstein).  Rob Campbell (Ivanov, Translations; WTF: On the Razzle and Dead End) plays Johann Wilhelm Mobius.  John Feltch (Enchanted April, The Dazzle) plays Police Inspector Richard Voss. Roger Rees (Tony Award for The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, Uncle Vanya, Indiscretions; film: The Prestige; TV: "The West Wing") plays Herbert Georg Beutler (Newton). Brenda Wehle (Stuff Happens; WTF: On the Razzle and The Cherry Orchard) plays Fraulein Doktor Mathilde von Zahnd.

Costume design is by Deborah Brothers. Lighting design is by Colin Bills. Set design is by Alexander Dodge. Sound design is by David Sanderson.

Tickets are available at www.wtfestival.org, 413.597.3400 and the Festival box office.

The show runs August 7 – 18 with performances Tuesdays at 8:00, Wednesdays through Fridays at 8:15 and Saturdays at 5:30 with matinees Thursdays at 3:15, Saturdays at 1:00 and Sunday August 12 at 2:15. Tickets are $33 to $35 depending on the performance.

Festival performances are held at the '62 Center for Theatre and Dance of Williams College at 1000 Main Street (Route 2) in Williamstown, Massachusetts.  The theatre is wheelchair accessible.  Assistive listening devices are available.

Photo of Mark Blum by Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.