Lost J.B. Priestley Play THE ROUNDABOUT to Make U.S. Debut at 59E59 Theaters

59E59 Theaters will host the US premiere of THE ROUNDABOUT written by J.B. Priestley, directed by Hugh Ross, and part of Brits Off Broadway. Produced by Cahoots Theatre Company, The Other Cheek & Park Theatre, THE ROUNDABOUT begins performances on Thursday, April 20 for a limited engagement through Sunday, May 28. Press Opening is Sunday, April 30 at 3 PM.

The performance schedule is Tuesday - Thursday at 7 PM; Friday 8 PM; Saturday at 2 PM & 8 PM; and Sunday at 3 PM. Performances are at 59E59 Theaters (59 East 59th Street, between Park and Madison Avenues). Tickets range from $25 - $70 ($25 - $49 for 59E59 Members). To purchase tickets, call Ticket Central at (212) 279-4200 or visit www.59e59.org.

Richard Kettlewell is an old Etonian whose business ventures are failing. Over a crowded weekend, his daughter Pamela, whom he hardly knows, returns from Russia, a passionate communist; his ex-wife and Mistress Both turn up; and his butler has a big win at the races. THE ROUNDABOUT is a funny, touching, highly perceptive look at England in the 1930s, when it looked, just possibly, as if the social order might be changing.

This delightful comedy by one of Britain's most prolific playwrights J.B. Priestley was first seen in 1932, then it disappeared to history. Recently rediscovered by director Hugh Ross (found in his father's extensive collection of J.B. Priestley books and papers), the Park Theatre production marked the first time the play was staged since its 1932 premiere at The Liverpool Repertory Theatre. The Brits Off Broadway run is the play's US premiere.

The cast features Steven Blakeley, Lisa Bowerman, Richenda Carey, Charlie Field, Derek Hutchinson, Annie Jackson, Emily Laing, Ed Pinker, Brian Protheroe, Hugh Sachs, and Carol Starks.

The design team includes Polly Sullivan (production design) and David Howe (lighting design). The music is composed by Matthew Strachan. The production stage manager is Cate Agis.

J.B. Priestley (playwright) was born John Priestley on September 13, 1894 in the West Riding of Yorkshire, England. In his long and varied life he became world famous as an author, novelist, playwright, essayist, broadcaster, scriptwriter, social commentator and man of letters, whose career straddled the twentieth century. Published work includes An Inspector Calls, Dangerous Corner, Time and the Conways, Good Companions and When We Are Married to name but a few in a very extensive list. He died on August 14, 1984. His ashes are buried in Hubberholme in the Yorkshire Dales, England. But not forgotten, his plays are still enjoyed and performed all over the world.

Hugh Ross (director) has had a long and distinguished career as an actor and director. He has worked for the RSC, the National Theatre, Sheffield Theatres, and frequently in the West End. He won a Time Out Performer Award for his performance as Malvolio in Cheek by Jowl's Twelfth Night, and was nominated for an Olivier Award for his performance in Stephen Sondheim's Passion. His TV credits include The Team, Marple, Midsomer Murders, Absolutely Fabulous, Poirot, Major Mungo Munro in the Sharpe series, and many more. Film credits include Sunset Song, The Iron Lady, Patriot Games, Trainspotting, and Clive Barker's Nightbreed, which has recently received cult status with the release of the Director's Cut. Hugh has directed at The Mercury Theatre, Colchester, on the RSC fringe, and most recently, in 2013 for his production of The Atheist by Ronan Noone, he was nominated as best director on the London Fringe in the Offie Awards.

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