Alison Fraser, Jill Shackner Lead Cast of A CHARITY CASE, 11/2

Two-Time Tony Nominee Alison Fraser and Jill Shackner join previously announced actress Alysia Reiner in A CHARITY CASE. This new play about adoption by Australian playwright and director Wendy Beckett, will open Wednesday, November 2nd at Off Broadway's Clurman Theatre (410 West 42nd Street - between 9th and 10th Avenues). The play, which is also directed by Ms. Beckett, begins previews Friday, October 28th. The play is produced by Peter Walters for Pascal Productions. A CHARITY CASE is third in a series of Ms. Beckett's plays that Pascal Productions will produce in New York.

A CHARITY CASE examines the adoption triangle between a birth mother, the relinquishing mother and a 17 year-old daughter. Our most sacred of relationships is the one we have with our mothers and the journey is blessed, cursed, mysterious and tender. When a child is adopted, a whole layer of complexity is added to that relationship. In A CHARITY CASE, Wendy Beckett explores this parallel world based on a deep knowledge of the subject, having both been an adopted child and having adopted a child of her own. Though the play is not autobiographical, Beckett's writing displays a true understanding of this complex relationship.

Alison Fraser most recently starred in School For Lies at Classic Stage Company. She recently created the role of Sister Walburga in Charles Busch's The Divine Sister and is a two time Tony Award nominee for playing Martha in The Secret Garden and Josefine in Romance/Romance. Also on Broadway, she was Dorine in Tartuffe; Born Again, Helena in Drood, and Tessie Tura in Arthur Laurents's acclaimed production of Gypsy starring Patti LuPone. Off Broadway roles Alison has created include Jessie in Terrence McNally's Dedication, or the Stuff of Dreams, Trina in March of the Falsettos and In Trousers and Miss Drumgoole in Up Against It. Film and TV credits include "Between the Lions," "Law & Order: SVU," "Third Watch," The Thing About My Folks" opposite Peter Falk and Paul Reiser, "In the Blood" and the upcoming "Commentary."

Jill Shackner has appeared on Broadway in Les Miserables and Off-Broadway in Landscape of the Body, Prince & The Pauper, Penny 4 Eyes Rock N' Roll Show, and The Broadway Kids. Her television credits include "All My Children," "Three Moons Over Milford," "As the World Turns," "Out of the Box," "Star Search," and "Celebrity Deathmatch," and film credits consist of "Text Me" (NYC International Film Festival - Best Actress Nominee; Houston Comedy Film Festival - Best Actress Nominee), "Paper Man," and "House of D."

Alysia Reiner is an award-winning stage, screen & television actress. Recent theatre credits include Tina Modotti in Modotti, Hillary (The Public), the Obie winning An Oak Tree, Jayson with a Y (The New Group), Anais Nin:One of Her Lives, Wasps in Bed, Pentecost (Drama Desk Nom.) and the NY Premiere of Tender.

Recent films include "The Vicious Kind," "Not For Nothing" "Arranged," "Schooled," " One Last Thing," " Sideways" TV includes recurring role of Cindy on "The Starter Wife," " 30 Rock," "White Collar," "The Sopranos," "Blue Bloods," "Law & Order," "Love Monkey," "The Jury," "The Drew Cary Show," "The Practice," "Family Law" and "Jack & Jill," and the new web series "Puppy Love."

Scenic design is by David L Arsenault, with lighting design by Travis McHale and costume design by Theresa Squire.

Alysia Reiner is an award-winning stage, screen & television actress. Recent theatre credits include Tina Modotti in Modotti, Hillary (The Public), the Obie winning An Oak Tree, Jayson with a Y (The New Group), Anais Nin:One of Her Lives, Wasps in Bed, Pentecost (Drama Desk Nom.) and the NY Premiere of Tender. Recent films include "The Vicious Kind," "Not For Nothing" "Arranged," "Schooled," " One Last Thing," " Sideways" TV includes recurring role of Cindy on "The Starter Wife," " 30 Rock," "White Collar," "The Sopranos," "Blue Bloods," "Law & Order," "Love Monkey," "The Jury," "The Drew Cary Show," "The Practice," "Family Law" and "Jack & Jill," and the new web series "Puppy Love."

The playing schedule for A CHARITY CASE is as follows: Tuesdays at 7pm, Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8pm, with matinees on Saturday at 2pm and Sundays at 3PM. Tickets are $35. For tickets call Telecharge at (212) 239-6200 or visit www.Telecharge.com.

 

Photo Credit: Genevieve Rafter-Keddy