Tennessee Williams' 'Eccentricities' Returns to NYC After 30 Years

The Actors Company Theatre will present The Eccentricities of a Nightingale by Tennessee Williams, marking the play's first New York production in over thirty years. Previews begin April 27, opening May 5 through - May 24, 2008 at Theatre Row's Clurman Theatre (410 West 42nd Street).  Directed by Jenn Thompson.

Written at the height of his career in 1951, published in 1964, The Eccentricities of a Nightingale was not seen in New York until it debuted on Broadway in 1976. The Actors Company Theatre, with special permission from the Williams Estate, is proud to present this lost gem to New York City audiences for the first time in over thirty years. 

"A sensuous story of longing and rebellion, Tennessee Williams' The Eccentricities of a Nightingale charts the delicate journey of Alma Winemiller, known as "the nightingale of the Delta," who lives in her stifling parents' home in a small-minded Southern town. Suppressed by her joyless father and ostracized by the community for her artistic temperament, she finds solace in her music — and in the secret lifelong love she has for the boy-next-door, turned handsome grown-up, Dr. John Buchanan.  Driven by her desire for truth and beauty, Miss Alma finally confesses her longing to John and what emerges is one of the theatre's most startlingly modern and complex love stories," describe press notes.

Leading the cast of Eccentricities and straight from her run in Tom Stoppard's smash Broadway hit Rock 'n' Roll, is TACT company member Mary Bacon in the role of Alma Winemiller. Playing opposite her, in the pivotal role of Dr. John Buchanan, is Todd Gearhart (The Guthrie's All My Sons). They are joined by TACT company members and Broadway veterans Larry Keith as the Reverend Winemiller, Darrie Lawrence as Mrs. Buchanan, and Cynthia Darlow as Mrs. Basset. Fellow company members Nora Chester, Francesca Di Mauro, Greg McFadden, James Prendergast and Scott Schafer round out the cast. The design team includes TACT company members: Darryl Bornstein (sound), Jonathan Faiman (original music) and David Toser (costumes), joined by Lucrecia Briceno (lighting) and Bill Clarke (sets).

The Eccentricities of a Nighteigale begins April 27, opening May 5 through May 24, 2008. Show times are Monday, Thursday & Friday at 7:30Pm; Saturday at 2PM & 8PM; and Sunday at 8PM. Plus Wednesday April 30 at 7:30PM; no matinee Saturday May 3.

The Clurman Theatre is located at 410 West 42nd Street. Tickets are $20 via Ticket Central by phone 212 279 4200 or online at www.ticketcentral.com. For more information on this production or TACT please visit www.tactnyc.org

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