THE PLAYBOY OF THE WESTERN WORLD & More Set For Pearl Theater Co 2009/10 Season

THE PEARL THEATRE COMPANY is pleased to announce its 2009/2010 Season, produced for the first time at New York City Center Stage II. The season includes the eccentric, spirited comedy The PLAYBOY OF THE WESTERN WORLD by J.M. Synge, directed by incoming artistic director J.R. Sullivan; Bernard Shaw's giddy comedy MISALLIANCE; a whirlwind adaptation of Charles Dickens' HARD TIMES by Stephen Jeffreys; and the Pulitzer Prize-winning THE SUBJECT WAS ROSES by Frank D. Gilroy.

"Going forward," says incoming Artistic Director J.R. Sullivan, "The Pearl remains dedicated to classic works, plays that never fail to astonish by their enduring power to provoke debate and stir emotion. New York City Center Stage II provides an ideal venue for our patrons and artists alike. It is intimate, accessible, and comfortable. It perfectly supports our desire to produce the highest quality classical work in New York, and I begin my tenure at The Pearl with full confidence and commitment to an outstanding season."

For the past 15 years, The Pearl Theatre Company has enjoyed a successful residency at Theatre 80 St. Marks in the East Village. "Moving to Theatre 80 from our small theater in Chelsea in 1994 was a tremendous advantage to The Pearl," says Founding Artistic Director Shepard Sobel. "I know that our move to City Center will provide just as many opportunities for growth and change. While we are disappointed the East Village is losing a theatrical venue to commercial enterprise, we are thrilled to be moving to the theatre district to usher in this exciting new era of The Pearl in this vibrant new community." The Pearl's final production at Theatre 80 is Tennessee Williams' Vieux Carré - an intimate meditation on sexuality, decay and clinging to hope in an uncertain world. The current production is directed by Tony-winner Austin Pendleton and the limited engagement runs through June 14.

Manhattan Theatre Club, which normally produces at Stage II, will be licensing the venue to The Pearl Theatre Company for the 2009-2010 Season. Manhattan Theatre Club will continue to produce plays at its Broadway home and New York City Center's Stage I. "The Pearl Theatre Company has been presenting the Classics off-Broadway for 25 years. I am pleased that for the 2009-2010 Season, they will have the opportunity to reach new audiences at Stage II at New York City Center," comments Manhattan Theatre Club Executive Director Barry Grove.

J.R. Sullivan begins his tenure as The Pearl's Artistic Director on August 1, 2009, succeeding founding artistic director Shepard Sobel. Sullivan has directed five productions for The Pearl. He is currently an associate artistic director of the Utah Shakespearean Festival, and has directed for Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Milwaukee Repertory Theater, American Players Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Northlight and Studio Theatre in Washington D.C., Delaware Theatre Company, Madison Rep, Theatre X, and Milwaukee Chamber Theatre. Sullivan founded the New American Theater in Rockford, Illinois in 1972, and served as producing artistic director until 1994.

THE 2009/2010 RESIDENT ACTING COMPANY
Our Resident Acting Company consists of veterans of the New York and Regional stages; they are a seasoned group of performers who have trained at some of the most prestigious conservatories in the world and been honored with Tony®, Obie, Drama Desk, and numerous other awards and nominations.

The 2009/2010 Resident Acting Company:
Jolly Abraham
Rachel Botchan
Robin Leslie Brown
Bradford Cover
Dominic Cuskern
Dan Daily
TJ Edwards
Robert Hock
Sean McNall
Carol Schultz
Edward Seamon

2009/2010 TICKET & PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
Production Schedule:
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 PM
Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 PM
Opening Night performances are at 7:30 PM

Regular Ticket Prices:
$30 for all preview performances
$40 for performances on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
$50 for performances on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday

Tickets go on sale August 1 and can be purchased at:
www.citycenter.org or through CityTix: 212-581-1212

 

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