Manheim to Play the Nurse in Public's Romeo and Juliet

Theatre veteran Camryn Manheim, well-known to TV audiences for her work on "The Practice" and "The Ghost Whisperer," will play the Nurse in the Public Theater's upcoming production of Romeo and Juliet.

As previously announced, Michael Greif (Grey Gardens, Rent) will direct the production of Shakespeare's classic romantic tragedy, which will run from June 5th through July 8th at the Delacorte Theatre in Central Park.  Romeo and Juliet is, of course, the tale of two star-crossed lovers from feuding families.  It will star the previously announced Lauren Ambrose (Awake and Sing!, "Six Feet Under") as Juliet and Oscar Issac (Beauty of the Father, Two Gentlemen of Verona) as Romeo.

Manheim last appeared at Shakespeare in the Park in 1994 as Lucette in Two Gentlemen of Verona.  Other Public Theater credits include Wake Up, I'm Fat! (1995), Woyzeck (1992), and Henry IV (1991). Off-Broadway credits include Sin, Missing Persons (Obie Award), Triumph of Love, St. Joan of the Stockyards, Alice in Wonderland, Stella. Film/TV credits include An Unfinished Life, Dark Water, Twisted, Scary Movie 3, The Laramie Project, What Planet Are You From?, Happiness, Pleasant View Avenue, Fool's Gold, Mercury Rising, Romy & Michelle's High School Reunion, The Road To Wellville, Jeffrey, Rescuing Desire, Cracking Up, Bonfire of the Vanities, Wide Awake, The First Wives Club, "Elvis" (Emmy and Golden Globe nominations), "10th Kingdom," "Imagine: The Loretta Claiborne Story," "Touched By An Angel," "The Practice" (series regular; Emmy and Golden Globe awards), "Chicago Hope," and "Law & Order."

"Last year, 'War in Central Park' used Brecht and Shakespeare to reflect the bleak state of our current politics. This summer, we will look at the most powerful healing force humans have: the power of love. Two thousand and seven is the fortieth anniversary of the Summer of Love, and we hope to revisit the utopian and joyous impulses of that era through the medium of two of the greatest of Shakespeare's plays, Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer Night's Dream," said Public Theater artistic director Oskar Eustis.  Running from August 7th through September 9th, A Midsummer Night's Dream will be helmed by Tony Award-winner Daniel Sullivan (Prelude to a Kiss).

More casting will be announced.

Visit www.publictheater.org for more information.