Ellen Crawford stars in Camus' THE MISUNDERSTANDING at The Flea Previews 10/29

Albert Camus' rarely-seen 1948 play THE MISUNDERSTANDING will be performed Off-Broadway this fall, with preview performances beginning October 29 prior to an official press opening on November 2, 2009 at The Flea Theatre (41 White Street) in Manhattan. Ellen Crawford, widely-known for her many years on the popular television series "ER," has joined the cast of THE MISUNDERSTANDING, which is produced by Horizon Theatre Rep and presented by The Flea Theatre.

The Camus play will be directed by Alex Lippard, who last season directed Ellen Crawford ("ER," original Broadway cast DO BLACK PATENT LEATHER SHOES REFLECT UP?) and Emmy winner Daniel J. Travanti in an acclaimed revival of A TOUCH OF THE POET Off-Broadway.

In THE MISUNDERSTANDING, a man returns home to Europe to be reunited with his mother (played by Ms. Crawford) and sister following a 20-year absence. As he anxiously awaits to reveal his identity to them, notions of love and family take on chilling new meanings in the hideous circumstances of his last few hours.

Joining Ms. Crawford in the cast of THE MISUNDERSTANDING are Erin Cherry (memorable in THE BLACKS by Classic Theatre of Harlem), Rafael De Mussa, Stuart Rudin and Wendy Allegaert. Design team for THE MISUNDERSTANDING is: Zack Tinkelman (lighting design), Amanda Bujak (costume design) and Michael Moore (scenic design), Amy Altadonna (sound Design)

THE MISUNDERSTANDING is one of a small number of plays written by Camus in his lifetime. Born in Algeria in 1913, Camus earned a worldwide reputation as a novelist and essayist and won the Nobel Prize for literature in 1957. Through his writings, and in some measure against his will, he became the leading moral voice of his generation during the 1950s. At the height of his fame, Camus was killed in a car crash near Paris.

This production of THE MISUNDERSTANDING coincides with a major new biography about the writer, "Camus, A Romance," by Elizabeth Hawes. (Grove Press)

Camus' most notable play CALIGULA was revived last year by Horizon Theatre Rep - Artistic Director Rafael De Mussa. Now in its ninth year, HTR is dedicated to producing work from the international repertory. HTR aims to give emerging and established artists the opportunity to take risks, to excel, and to make their mark. Past productions include its acclaimed production of Jean-Paul Sartre's MEN WITHOUT SHADOWS, the first version of VASSA ZHELEZNOVA by Maxim Gorky featuring a new translation; the English language premieres of Armand Salacrou's NIGHTS OF WRATH, 3xPIRANDELLO at The New York International Fringe Festival and Dejan Dukovski's POWDER KEG.

In addition to having directed A TOUCH OF THE POET, Alex Lippard previously directed Oren Safdie's play THE LAST WORD starring Daniel J. Travanti and Adam Green Off-Broadway; HECUBA starring Kristin Linklater; and SAKE with Haiku Geisha.

Ellen Crawford most recently appeared as Nora opposite Daniel J. Travanti ("Hill St. Blues") in "A Touch Of The Poet" at New York City's 14th Street Theatre, a production named one of the notable revivals of the 2008 season by the Wall Street Journal. This last year she also originated the role of Miss Havisham in the world premiere musical adaptation of "Great Expectations" in Los Angeles. On television, Ellen is probably best known as the efficient Nurse Lydia Wright on the NBC series "ER", having had the distinction of uttering its first line. On Broadway, Ellen originated the role of the ancient and intimidating Sister Lee in "Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?" She has appeared at many regional theatres including LA's Ahmanson Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, Old Globe Theatre, San Diego Repertory, Intiman Theatre, Berkeley Repertory, Arena Stage, Goodman Theatre, Arizona Theatre Company, PlayMakers Repertory, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Missouri Repertory and Maine's Public Theatre. Among other recent stage successes are her portrayals of Emily Dickinson in "The Belle Of Amherst", Martha in "Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf", again playing opposite husband Mike Genovese, and Meg in Jack O'Brien's production of "The Hostage."

Rafael De Mussa has appeared Off-Broadway in "Written and Sealed" at Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre, as well as in 3XPirandello at NY Fringe Festival, "Men Without Shadows" and "Powder Keg" at the Flea, and "Caligula" on Theater Row.

Erin Cherry appeared in the Classic Theatre of Harlem's acclaimed production of Genet's THE BLACKS, and has also appeared in numerous productions at leading regional theatres including The Guthrie, St. Louis Rep, New York Stage &Film and Prince Music Theatre.

Wendy Allegaert appeared Off-Broadway in Saved and Three Sisters (James Luse, dir.); Drums in the Night (Ken Rus Schmoll, dir.) Glass Menagerie (Abingdon); Dolores (Image Theatre); Bintel Briv (Metropolitan Playhouse); Heart of Fire (Vital Theatre) and many others. Stuart Rudin has appeared at San Jose Rep/Arkansas Rep./Second Stage (Rimers of Eldritch, Dir. M. Brokaw), and at NYSF (Measure for Measure; Chang Fragments).

Scheduled October 29 through November 22, THE MISUNDERSTANDING will perform Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 9 p.m., with added performances Mondays, November 2 and 9 at 7 p.m. and Sundays, November 15 and 22 at 3 p.m.

Tickets available by calling 212 352 3101 or online at www.theflea.org

 

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