'Hunting and Gathering' Premieres Jan.22 at Primary Stages

Primary Stages presents the third production of the 2007-2008 season, the world premiere of the play Hunting and Gathering by Brooke Berman, directed by Leigh Silverman (Well). The 4-member cast features Michael Chernus (Essential Self Defense) as Astor, Mamie Gummer (The Water's Edge) as Bess, Keira Naughton (The Rivals) as Ruth, and Jeremy Shamos (Gutenberg! The Musical!) as Jesse.

Performances begin Tuesday evening, January 22, 2008 for a limited run through Saturday, March 1, 2008 at Primary Stages at 59E59 Theaters (59 East 59th Street, between Park and Madison Avenues).   Opening night is Sunday, February 3, 2008 at 6PM.

"This world premiere play follows four interconnected New Yorkers through their thwarted attempts to find their place – without compromise.  Jesse has his first date since his divorce, his ex-lover Ruth is living a fantasy, his brother Astor is the "man with the van," and Bess has a plan to come out on top.  Ms. Berman's contemporary play begs the question:  Do you have to be a predator to survive?" describe press notes.

The creative team includes David Korins (Sets), Miranda Hoffman (Costumes), Ben Stanton (Lights), Robert Kaplowitz (Sound), and Melonie Rademaker (Music Consultant).

Hunting and Gathering will play the following schedule: Tuesdays at 7PM, Wednesdays through Friday at 8PM, and Saturdays at 2PM & 8PM.  Additionally, there are Sunday matinees scheduled for January 27 and February 10 at 3PM, with a Wednesday matinee on February 20 at 2PM.  Primary Stages will present 1PM performances to student groups at no charge, under the auspices of the Primary Stages NYC Public School Student Matinee Program.  Additionally, following the public performances on February 7 & 14, there are special "Artist/Audience Talkbacks" for the attendees of the performances on those evenings.

Single tickets are priced at $60 with a specially priced $20 ticket available to patrons 35 and under during preview performances only.  Tickets may be purchased by calling Ticket Central at (212) 279-4200 or online at www.ticketcentral.com.