Deuce to be Ineligible for Drama Desk Awards, Etc.

Playbill.com reports that the producers of the upcoming Terrence McNally play Deuce have decided to draw the production away from eligibility for Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Drama League Awards.

"The eligibility requirements for (Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Drama League) awards asked that the nominators of the respective organizations be accommodated to see the show after only a week of performances. We decided that this was too much pressure to put on the cast and the production," a play spokesperson told the theatre website.  Press performances of Deuce begin May 2nd, which is past the nominating deadline.

Directed by Michael Blakemore, Deuce - starring theatre legends Angela Lansbury (Sweeney Todd, Mame, Gypsy) and Marian Seldes (A Delicate Balance, Deathtrap) - will open Sunday, May 6th at the Music Box Theatre (239 West 45th Street), with previews beginning Wednesday, April 11th.  The production will play a strictly limited engagement of 18 weeks. 

The play "stars Lansbury as Leona Mullen and Seldes as Midge Barker – two former doubles tennis legends, reunited at a championship tournament.  As they watch a singles match grow increasingly heated, the two women reminisce on the sidelines, remembering past triumphs and unearthing forgotten truths, in Mr. McNally's tender and unexpectedly moving new play," state prss notes.  The production will also feature Brian Haley, Joanna P. Adler and Michael Mulheren. 

The play features set design by Peter J. Davison, costume design by Ann Roth, lighting design by Mark Henderson, sound design by Paul Charlier and video and projection design by Sven Ortel.  Deuce will be produced on Broadway by Scott Rudin, Stuart Thompson, Maberry Theatricals, The Shubert Organization, Roger Berlind, Debra Black, Bob Boyett, Susan Dietz and Daryl Roth. 

Tickets are on sale at TeleCharge at 212-239-6200, online at www.telecharge.com, or at the Music Box Theatre box office (239 West 45th Street).  Visit www.DeuceOnBroadway.com for more information.

Photo of Angela Lansbury by Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.