Ribald Restoration Comedy The Country Wife Plays Jan. 5-27

Presented as a co-production between HoNkBarK! and Vital Theatre Company, William Wycherley's ribald Restoration play The Country Wife will run from January 5, 2007 through January 27, 2007 at the McGinn Cazale Theatre (2162 Broadway at 76th St.) in NYC. Previews begin Jan. 5 for a Jan. 8 opening.

The Country Wife "follows notorious ladies man, Harry Horner, and his ruthless scheme for rampant seduction. By spreading the rumor of his own impotence, he is able to gain access to the so-called 'virtuous' ladies of society who are all too willing to join in the fun. Meanwhile, a new husband desperately attempts to hide his naïve country bride from the predatory men of the town. When she and Horner quite literally collide, bawdiness ensues. Banned from the stage for almost 200 years, this scandalous satire is as potent today as it was in 1675," according to press materials.

The cast features Broadway veteran Maurice Edwards (Sir Jasper Fidget), whose Broadway credits include Happy as Larry, The Golden Apple, and the original production of Fiddler on the Roof.  Robert Lehrer (Quack) may be familiar as Mr. Garret from "Hope and Faith." Also featured are Brian Linden (Sparkish), a 2005 New York Innovative Theatre Award nominee and two-time Emmy Award-winner, Laura LeBleu (Lady Fidget).

The production also stars Kristin Price as Margery Pinchwife, the titular Country Wife, along with Ray Rodriguez (Mr. Pinchwife) and Richard Haratine (Horner). The cast is rounded out by Linda Jones (Alithea), Steve Kuhel (Harcourt), Janna Kefalas (Mrs. Squeamish), Bridgette Shaw (Dainty Fidget), Mike Yahn (Dorilant), Dolores Kenan (Old Lady Squeamish) and Joan Slavin (Lucy).

The production will be staged by John Ficarra, who is an accomplished fight choreographer and owner of Combat Incorporated (www.combatinc.com), as well as director.

Original music for harp, piano, flute and euphonium will be composed by Dana Haynes and conducted by Sam Swartz. The design team includes Karl Ruckdeschel (Costumes), Brian Garber (Set) and Nathan Elsner (Lighting).

The show will runL Thursday-Saturday at 8pm & Sunday at 6pm with two added shows on Mon. 1/8 at 8pm and Wed. 1/24 at 8pm.  Tickets are $17 for the general, public, and $15 for students.  Call 212-352-3101 or visit www.theatermania.com/content/show.cfm/show/128606 for tickets.

Photo Credit: Sergio Reynoso; clockwise from upper left: Janna Kefalas, Richard Haratine, Laura LeBleu, Kristin Price and Linda Jones