Stephen Lang Cast in MTC's Premiere of Defiance, Opening Feb. 28

Manhattan Theatre Club has announced that Stephen Lang will play the role of "Colonel Littlefield" in the world premiere of John Patrick Shanley's Defiance, to be directed by Doug Hughes.

The production begins previews at New York City Center – Stage I (131 West 55th Street) on Thursday, February 9 and opens on Tuesday, February 28; additional casting will be announced at a future date.

Defiance "is set on a United States Marine Corps base in North Carolina in 1971. Two officers, one black and one white (Lang), are on a collision course over race, women, and the high cost of doing the right thing.  The play is about power, love, and responsibility – who has it, who wants it, and who deserves it," state press notes.

Lang last appeared on Broadway in the revival of Wait Until Dark opposite Quentin Tarantino and Marisa Tomei. He received a Tony Award nomination for his role in Steve Tesich's The Speed of Darkness, directed by Robert Falls and he also originated the role of Colonel Jessip in Aaron Sorkin's A Few Good Men. His feature film credits include Tombstone, Gettysburg, Last Exit to Brooklyn, and Gods and Generals. A longtime member of the Actors Studio, he made his debut as a writer and director in his one-man show Beyond Glory.

 

The design team will feature: John Lee Beatty (Set Design), Catherine Zuber (Costume Design), Pat Collins (Lighting Design), David Van Tieghem (Sound Design and Original Music).

 

Shanley and Hughes previously collaborated on Doubt, which premiered at New York City Center – Stage I during MTC's 2004-2005 season.  Doubt subsequently transferred to Broadway's Walter Kerr Theatre, and won the Pulitzer Prize and four Tony Awards, including Best Play and Best Director. 

 

Tickets are $65 and can be reserved by calling CityTix at (212) 581-1212. Group and student rates are available. For group ticket information, call (212) 399-3000 x 134. Student tickets are $25 and are on sale for all performances based on availability on the day of the performance, up to one hour before showtime. Call (212) 581-1212 for further information. MTC at New York City Center is accessible to people with disabilities and is equipped with a hearing augmentation system. 

 

Visit www.ManhattanTheatreClub.com for more information.