Photo Flash: First Look at ON A STOOL AT THE END OF THE BAR at 59E59 Theaters

59E59 Theaters welcomes The Directors Company with ON A STOOL AT THE END OF THE BAR, written by Robert Callely and directed by Michael Parva. ON A STOOL AT THE END OF THE BAR began performances on Friday, November 14 for a limited engagement through Sunday, December 14. Press Opening is Thursday, November 20 at 7:15 PM. The performance schedule is Tuesday - Thursday at 7:15 PM; Friday at 8:15 PM; Saturday at 2:15 PM & 8:15 PM; and Sunday at 3:15 PM. Please note, there is no performance on Thursday, November 27 (Thanksgiving). Performances are at 59E59 Theaters (59 East 59th Street, between Park and Madison Avenues). Single tickets are $35 ($24.50 for 59E59 Members). To purchase tickets, call Ticket Central at (212) 279-4200 or go to www.59e59.org.

Chris and Tony live a model suburban life. Their modest house is filled with the usual family chaos along with an abundance of love, with Chris looking after Tony's teenaged kids as if they were her own.

But the family is suddenly torn apart when a shocking secret about Chris is revealed. The children-Joey, 17; Angie, 16; and Mario, the youngest at 13-are shattered as they see their father devastated by the circumstances that threaten to upend his relationship with the caring woman who was their surrogate mother for nearly a decade.

Set in 1980s New Jersey, ON A STOOL AT THE END OF THE BAR is a shattering drama that asks if love is a strong enough bond to hold this unconventional family together.

"While the story is set in the mid-1980s, it focuses on some of the most important and harrowing issues still facing many members of the LGBT community today - it could not be more timely," explains playwright Robert Callely. "At the center of the story is the revelation of a shocking and deeply held secret that tears apart a close and loving, if unconventional family unit. I don't want to say too much and spoil the fun of discovery as the play unfolds."

Antoinette Thornes stars as Chris. Joining her in the cast is Zachary Brod, Robert Hogan (Murder in the First at 59E59), Sara Kapner (Hollywood Arms on Broadway), Luke Slattery, Timothy John Smith (Rapture, Blister Burn at Huntington Theater), John Stanisci (Irena's Vow on Broadway), and Liza Vann.

The design team includes Jessica L. Parks (set design), Jill Nagle (lighting design), Amy C. Bradshaw (costume design), and Quentin Chiappetta (sound design). The Production Stage Manager is Rose Riccardi.

Photos by Carol Rosegg