Lynn Redgrave's NIGHTENGALE Opens Tonight, 11/3

The Manhattan Theatre Club production of NIGHTINGALE, the new play written and performed by Lynn Redgrave and directed by Joseph Hardy, opens tonight, November 3 at MTC at New York City Center - Stage I. The production began previews on October 15 and will run as a limited engagement through December 13.

Tony Award and Academy Award nominee Lynn Redgrave stars in her new play inspired by her need to create a life for her maternal grandmother, a woman she barely knew. NIGHTINGALE is a play about a promising woman stymied by society and all but erased by history, a touching personal tribute and a resounding song for all those people whose voices we've lost, or never known.

Redgrave, who is a longtime cancer survivor, learned that she had a medical condition a week before performances were set to begin which required immediate attention. The side effects of her treatment make it necessary for Redgrave to use her script while performing her play.

The creative team for NIGHTINGALE includes Tobin Ost (Scenic Design), Alejo Vietti (Costume Design), Rui Rita (Lighting Design), and John Gromada (Original Music & Sound Design).

Manhattan Theatre Club's complete Broadway season at the Samuel J. Friedman includes the new production of George S. Kaufman and Edna Ferber's THE ROYAL FAMILY which recently opened to glowing reviews, the New York premiere of Donald Margulies' TIME STANDS STILL, and the Broadway premiere of Margulies' COLLECTED STORIES. In addition to NIGHTINGALE, the complete Off-Broadway season includes Bill Cain's EQUIVOCATION and Polly Stenham's THAT FACE.

Subscriptions to MTC's 2009-2010 season are currently available by calling (212) 399-3050, Monday - Friday, noon - 10 PM, Saturday 2 PM - 6 PM with a major credit card. Subscriptions are also available online at www.ManhattanTheatreClub.com.

Under the leadership of Artistic Director Lynne Meadow and Executive Producer Barry Grove, MTC has become one of the country's most prominent and prestigious theatre companies. MTC productions have earned a total of 16 Tony Awards and six Pulitzer Prizes, an accomplishment unparalleled by a New York theatrical institution. MTC has their Broadway home at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street) and an Off-Broadway theatre at New York City Center - Stage I (131 West 55th Street). Renowned MTC productions include Ruined; The American Plan; Top Girls; Come Back, Little Sheba; Blackbird; Translations; Shining City; Rabbit Hole; Doubt; Proof; The Tale of the Allergist's Wife; Love! Valour! Compassion!; A Small Family Business; Sylvia; Putting It Together; Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune; Crimes of the Heart; and Ain't Misbehavin'.

For more information on MTC, visit www.ManhattanTheatreClub.com.

Tickets for NIGHTINGALE are available via New York City Center Box Office (131 West 55th Street), CityTix® (212-581-1212) and www.nycitycenter.org. Tickets for NIGHTINGALE are $75.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

· THROUGH SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18: Thursday through Saturday at 8 PM. Sunday at 2 and 7 PM. No matinee on Saturday.

· MONDAY, OCTOBER 19 - SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8: Tuesday at 7 PM. Wednesday through Saturday at 8 PM. Sunday at 7 PM. Matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 2 PM.

· MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9 - SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22: Tuesday at 7 PM. Wednesday through Saturday at 8 PM. Matinees on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2 PM.

· MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23 - SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29 (THANKSGIVING WEEK): Tuesday at 7 PM. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 8 PM. Sunday at 7 PM. Matinees on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 2 PM.

· MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30 - SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13: Tuesday at 7 PM. Wednesday through Saturday at 8 PM. Matinees on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 2 PM.