Meital Dohan to Headline Alan Bowne's BEIRUT in NYC 1/22/2011

Beirut, Alan Bowne's classic apocalyptic love story, returns to New York for a special limited engagement from Wednesday, January 5th through Saturday, January 22nd at The Lion at Theatre Row (410 West 42nd St).

Starring Meital Dohan (Showtime's Weeds, Monogamy) and Sammi Rotibi (Lord of War, Tears of the Sun), Beirut is the story of a Brooklyn man quarantined in the Lower East Side after being tested positive for a deadly, nameless virus. His girlfriend, who has not been infected, makes the dangerous journey across the lines to save him.

This limited revival is directed by the Zoppa Brothers, triplet brothers and collaborators, who most recently co-directed Warhol Superstar Ultra Violet's acclaimed black comedy Adolph & Andy, as well as co-produced Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Angela McCluskey's latest musical, Catch A Falling Star.

Beirut was most recently staged as a reading by MCC in 2006 in honor of the late playwright, and headlined by Academy Award winning actress Marissa Tomei. Tomei received the 1987 Dramalogue Award for the original production. Of her role in Beirut, Tomei commented, "every artistic value that guides me came from that experience."

With a diverse cast intact, the Zoppa Brothers will explore some of the play's most profound themes in ways not previously exhibited on stage. Beirut is Bowne's most well-known and personal work, reflective of his own struggle with the AIDS virus. However, the play's unapologetic look at societal divide, disease, and the disappearance of personal rights makes it perennially intriguing and relevant.

Meital Dohan will be seen in the upcoming Tribeca Film Festival winner Monogamy, directed by Dana Adam Shapiro (Murderball). One of Israel's most exciting young actresses, Ms. Dohan is best known in America for her role as Yael on the hit Showtime series Weeds. Beirut marks Ms. Dohan's return to the stage, having recently starred in both the New York and Los Angeles productions of Anthony Neilson's controversial play Stitching.

Nigerian-born actor Sammi Rotibi is one of Hollywood's brightest new stars. Critically acclaimed for his performances alongside Nicholas Cage (Lord of War) and Bruce Willis (Tears of the Sun), Mr. Rotibi continues to thrill audiences in blockbusters and small independent features alike. He will soon be seen in the upcoming film The Lion Inside. Beirut marks Mr. Rotibi's New York theatrical debut.

Beirut also features Tony Ray Rossi, best known for his scene-stealing role in an Emmy-winning episode ("College") of HBO's groundbreaking series, The Sopranos. A versatile New York-based character actor, Mr. Rossi's film credits include Find Me Guilty, Donnie Brasco and Kiss Me, Guido.

BEIRUT
Written by Alan Bowne
Directed by The Zoppa Brothers

Presented by Athena Theatre Company, Exhibit Z & Stephen J. Palmese

Starring: Meital Dohan, Sammi Rotibi & Tony Ray Rossi

January 5 - 22, 2011

Theatre Row / The Lion Theatre
410 West 42nd Street
Tel. (212) 426-6000

Previews: Wednesday, January 5 - Friday, January 7, 8:00 PM
Opening: Saturday, January 8, 8:00 PM
Schedule: Tuesday, 7:30 PM; Wednesday - Saturday, 8:00 PM; Sunday, 3:00 PM *

* Sunday Matinees star Veronique Ory & Paul Bomba, with proceeds to benefit Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights AIDS. Visit: www.broadwaycares.org.

Telecharge Ticket Information:

Web Link: http://www.telecharge.com/BehindTheCurtain.aspx?prodid=8386
Phone: (212) 239-6200