Mint's Return of the Prodigal Extended through 7/15

The Drama Desk and Obie Award-wining Mint Theater Company has extended its New York premiere of St. John Hankin's 1905 comedy The Return of the Prodigal through July 15th. The Return Of The Prodigal features Bradford Cover, Tandy Cronyn, Leah Curney, Robin Haynes, Roderick Hill, Richard Kline (TV's "Three's Company"), Kate Levy, Lee Moore, W. Alan Nebelthau, Cecelia Riddett and Margot White.

Jonathan Bank, the artistic director of the Mint Theater Company, directs the production, which began previews on May 23rd, opened on June 6th and was originally slated to run through July 8th.

"Mint Theater Company first called attention to the neglected genius of St. John Hankin in 2002 with the New York Premiere of his masterpiece, The Charity That Began At Home.  Hankin, along with Granville Barker and Shaw helped further the revolution that returned the function of social criticism to drama.  Granville Barker dedicated his first published volume of plays in 1909 to 'My co-worker St. John Hankin.' The Guardian calls Hankin, 'the forgotten man of Edwardian drama,' and describes The Return Of The Prodigal as 'a delightful discovery…This is social comedy with a sharp tooth: a riveting critique of the philosophy of survival of the fittest.' Hankin wrote only five full-length plays between 1903 and his death by suicide at the age of 40 in 1909," state press materials.

The Return Of The Prodigal is "'a blistering expose of middle-class life, laced with acid humor.'  The prodigal of the title is Eustace Jackson, the son of a wealthy manufacturer.  Five years earlier Eustace was packed off to Australia to make his fortune, but he only succeeds at failing in everything he attempts.  Desperate and destitute, he returns home, a charming loser. The resulting collision is 'both hilarious and uncomfortable,' culminating in 'a final act of anguish and confrontation which is genuinely gripping.'" 

The Return Of The Prodigal has set and costume design by Clint Ramos, lighting design by Tyler Micoleau, and sound design by Jane Shaw. Casting by Stuart Howard, Amy Schecter & Paul Hardt

In 2001, the Mint was awarded an Obie grant for "combining the excitement of discovery with the richness of tradition," and in 2002 a special Drama Desk Award for "unearthing, presenting and preserving forgotten plays of merit."

The Return of the Prodigal takes place on the Third Floor of 311 West 43rd Street.  Performances are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 7 PM, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM with matinees Saturday and Sunday at 2 PM. Tickets are $50 and are available by calling (212) 315-0231 or online at www.minttheater.org.