VIDEO: STEVE's Director Cynthia Nixon Clowns With Cast Member Mario Cantone

Cynthia Nixon has been a favorite on Broadway and off ever since, at age 18, she appeared simultaneously in the Mike Nichols-directed Broadway productions of THE REAL THING and HURLYBURLY, scooting her way from the Barrymore to the Plymouth and back again eight times a week.

After finding national fame as Miranda Hobbes on TV's SEX AND THE CITY, she remains a frequently appearing face on New York stages, winning a 2006 Tony Award for David Lindsay-Abaire's RABBIT HOLE.

She made her directorial debut last season with The New Group's production of Joel Drake Johnson's provocative drama of race relations, RASHEEDA SPEAKING, starring Tonya Pinkins and Dianne Wiest.

"I've been wanting to direct for 25 years but I was always scared to try," she says." New Group Artistic Director Scott Elliott gave me such an incredible opportunity, and so much support and guidance."

She's back with The New Group with her sophomore directorial effort, Mark Gerrard's STEVE. From the way she's clowning with cast member Mario Cantone, it looks like another happy experience.

The New Group proudly presents the world premiere of Steve, a new play by Mark Gerrard. Directed by Cynthia Nixon, this production features Ashlie Atkinson, Mario Cantone, Jerry Dixon, Francisco Pryor Garat, Malcolm Getsand Matt McGrath. A limited Off-Broadway engagement plays through December 27 at The Pershing Square Signature Center (The Romulus Linney Courtyard Theatre, 480 West 42nd Street), with Official Opening Night set for Wednesday, November 18. Previews began November 3.

As Steven, a failed Broadway chorus boy turned stay at home dad, celebrates yet another birthday, he finds himself filled with fear and uncertainty. Is Stephen, his partner of 16 years, cheating on him? Why is one of his best friends dying of cancer? And what, exactly, has he done with his life? A portrait of a group of longtime, theater loving friends as they navigate the many facets of midlife and mortality, Mark Gerrard's Steve is a biting and bittersweet comedy about relationships and the unavoidable consequences of aging and the passage of time.