Butz, Murphy, Irwin et al. Begin Filming 'Higher Ground' in New York

Variety.com reports that Norbert Leo Butz (Tony-winner for DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS), Donna Murphy (Tony-winner for PASSION and THE KING AND I), and Bill Irwin (Tony-winner for WHO'S AFRAID OF Virginia Woolf?) are set to appear in the upcoming 'Higher Ground,' now filming in New York state. Vera Farmiga (Academy Award-nominee for 'Up in the Air') will direct and star in the film, which will also feature Joshua Leonard ('Humpday'). The screenplay is based on a memoir by Carolyn Briggs about her experiences with radical Christianity.

'Higher Ground' will be released by BCDF Pictures, and is produced by Renn Hawkey, Carly Hugo, Claude Dal Farra, and Jon Rubinstein. Jonathan Burkhart, Brice Dal Farra, Lauren Munsch, and Matt Parker will serve as executive producers.

Norbert Leo Butz, most recently seen on Broadway in ENRON and the revival of David Mamet's SPEED THE PLOW, and previously seen on the national tour of DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS, a performance that won him a Tony, as well as awards from Drama Desk, Outer Critics, and the Drama League. Other notable productions include originating the role of Fiyero in WICKED and performing in the original cast production of RENT, while more recent productions have included IS HE DEAD? and THE LAST FIVE YEARS and CATCH ME IF YOU CAN in Seattle.

Donna Murphy won Tony Awards for her performances as Fosca in Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's PASSION and as Anna in THE KING AND I. She was nominated for Tony Awards for LOVEMUSIK and WONDERFUL TOWN, a performance she originated in the City Center Encores! production. Her Broadway credits include THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD, THE HUMAN COMEDY, and THEY'RE PLAYING OUR SONG, and she was seen off-Broadway in TWELVE DREAMS, HELLO AGAIN, SONG OF SINGAPORE, and PRIVATES ON PARADE. Ms. Murphy's film credits include 'Rapunzel,' 'The Nanny Diaries,' 'The Fountain,' 'World Trade Center,' 'Spider-Man 2,' 'The Door in the Floor,' 'Center Stage,' and 'Star Trek: Insurrection.' She was last seen at City Center as Cora Hoover Hooper in the Encores! production of ANYONE CAN WHISTLE.

Bill Irwin is an actor and clown noted for his contribution to the renaissance of American circus during the 1970s. He is known for his vaudeville-style stage acts, as well as film, television and stage work. Broadway credits include WAITING FOR GODOT; THE GOAT, OR WHO IS SYLVIA?; and FOOL MOON. In 2005, he won the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play for his appearance as George in the revival of Edward Albee's WHO'S AFRAID OF Virginia Woolf? Irwin was last seen in the Roundabout Theatre Company's production of BYE BYE BIRDIE.