New York 20TH CENTURY BLUES Previews Begin Sunday, 11/12

The New York premiere of the new play, 20TH CENTURY BLUES, from Susan Smith Blackburn Prize-winner and two-time OBIE Award-winning playwright Susan Miller (MY LEFT BREAST) begins previews Sunday, November 12 at 3:00 PM at at The Alice Griffin Jewel Box Theatre at The Pershing Square Signature Center (480 West 42nd Street).

Two-time OBIE Award-winner and Tony Award-nominee Emily Mann (HAVING OUR SAY, ANNA IN THE TROPICS) will direct the company, which features Beth Dixon ("The Good Wife," Infinitely Polar Bear, MAJOR BARBARA), three-time Helen Hayes Award-winner Franchelle Stewart Dorn (Red Bull Theater's 'TIS PITY SHE'S A WHORE), Emmy Award-nominee Polly Draper ("thirtysomething," Obvious Child, CLOSER), two-time OBIE Award-winner Kathryn Grody (TOP GIRLS, THE MODEL APARTMENT), OBIE Award-winner Ellen Parker (THE HEIDI CHRONICLES), and Charles Socarides (SONS OF THE PROPHET, "When We Rise"). The 10-week limited engagement will open on Sunday, November 26.

"It's rare to encounter a new play with five stunning roles for actresses, so it's a particular pleasure to direct this funny, touching new play by the extraordinary Susan Miller," commented Ms. Mann. "Our five leading actresses bring with them a lifetime of extraordinary stage work. It's a thrilling event to have them all on the same stage at one time."

A reunion. An argument. A Ted Talk. Emotional mutiny. And a bond that connects four women who meet once a year for a photo shoot, chronicling their changing (and aging) selves as they navigate through love, careers, children, and major world events. But, when these private photographs have the potential to go public, their relationships are tested, forcing the women to confront who they are, what they've become, and how they'll deal with whatever lies ahead. Sharply funny and evocative, 20TH CENTURY BLUES is a new play by Susan Miller that questions our place in the world and with one another.

The award-winning design team includes scenic design and projection design by Tony Award-winner Beowulf Boritt (ACT ONE), costume design by OBIE Award-winner Jennifer Von Mayrhauser (DISGRACED), lighting design by Tony Award-winner Jeff Croiter (BANDSTAND), and sound design by Tony Award-winner Darron L West (PETER AND THE STARCATCHER). [Editor note: 'L' is not a middle initial and there should NOT be a period after it.]

Casting is by David Caperelliotis. Maximum Entertainment Productions serves as general manager, and Samantha Flint is the Production Stage Manager.

20TH CENTURY BLUES performance schedule: Monday DARK, Tuesday at 7:30 PM, Wednesday at 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM, Thursday at 7:30 PM, Friday at 7:30 PM, Saturday at 2:00 PM & 8:00 PM, Sunday at 2:00 PM. Tickets ($79 - $99) can be purchased through Ticket Central via www.ticketcentral.com, by calling 212.279.4200, or in person at 416 West 42nd Street (12:00-8:00 PM daily).

The Pershing Square Signature Center, the permanent home of Signature Theatre, is a three-theatre facility on West 42nd Street designed by Frank Gehry Architects to host Signature's three distinct playwrights' residencies and foster a cultural community. The Center is a major contribution to New York City's cultural landscape and provides a venue for cultural organizations that supports and encourages collaboration among artists throughout the space. In addition to its three intimate theatres, the Center features a Studio Theatre, rehearsal studio, a bookstore, and the Signature Café + Bar, open to the public from noon-midnight Tuesdays - Sundays. For more information on renting the Center, please visit www.signaturetheatre.org/rentals.