Additional Casting Set for 'Deuce,' Now in Rehearsals

Legendary star Angela Lansbury is now in rehearsal for her long-awaited return to the Broadway stage, starring opposite Marian Seldes in the world premiere of DEUCE, a new play by Terrence McNally and directed by Michael Blakemore.

DEUCE, which marks Ms. Lansbury's first role on Broadway in almost 25 years, will open Sunday, May 6th at the Music Box Theatre (239 West 45th Street), with previews beginning Wednesday, April 11th.   (Please note new earlier preview date).  The production will play a strictly limited engagement of 18 weeks. 

DEUCE stars Angela Lansbury as Leona Mullen and Marian Seldes as Midge Barker – two former doubles tennis legends, reunited at a championship tournament.  As they watch a singles match grow increasingly heated, the two women reminisce on the sidelines, remembering past triumphs and unearthing forgotten truths, in Mr. McNally's tender and unexpectedly moving new play.

The production will also feature Brian Haley, Joanna P. Adler and Michael Mulheren. 

In her 60-plus year career on stage, film and television, Ms. Lansbury received four Tony Awards® for her starring roles in Mame, Dear World, Gypsy and Sweeney Todd, three Academy Award® nominations for Gaslight (her screen debut), The Picture of Dorian Gray and The Manchurian Candidate, and 18 Emmy Award® nominations, including 12 for her long-running television series, "Murder, She Wrote." 

Ms. Seldes won a Tony® for A Delicate Balance, and has been nominated for her performances in Father's Day, Deathtrap, Ring Round the Moon, and Dinner at Eight.   Last season, she earned rave reviews for her performance in Mr. McNally's Dedication, or the Stuff of Dreams.

Mr. McNally has won Tony Awards® for his plays, Love! Valour! Compassion! and Master Class, and for his books for the musicals, Kiss of the Spider Woman and Ragtime.  Mr. Blakemore won Tony Awards® in the same year for his direction of the play, Copenhagen, and the musical, Kiss Me,  Kate.

The production team for DEUCE features set design by Peter J. Davison, costume design by Ann Roth, lighting design by Mark Henderson, sound design by Paul Charlier and video and projection design by Sven Ortel. 

DEUCE will be produced on Broadway by Scott Rudin, Stuart Thompson, Maberry Theatricals, The Shubert Organization, Roger Berlind, Debra Black, Bob Boyett, Susan Dietz and Daryl Roth. 

Tickets for DEUCE are on sale at TeleCharge at 212-239-6200, online at www.telecharge.com, or at the Music Box Theatre box office (239 West 45th Street).  

Visit www.DeuceOnBroadway.com for more information.

Photo of Angela Lansbury by Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.