'Blues' Star Travanti Makes NY Stage Debut in New Play

Two-time Emmy Award-winner Daniel J. Travanti ("Hill Street Blues") will make his New York stage debut in the New York premiere of The Last Word… --a new play by Oren Safdie, author of the Off-Broadway hit Private Jokes, Public Places--with Off-Broadway previews to begin January 30, prior to an official opening February 8, at Theatre at St. Clement's (423 West 46th Street) in Manhattan. Alex Lippard will direct.

"Travanti stars as Henry Grunwald, a Viennese Jew who fled the Nazis and became a successful advertising executive in New York. Now retired and determined to fulfill his dream of becoming a playwright, Henry engages the assistance of a young, opinionated NYU student who shares his passion for writing and headstrong spirit in this new play about friendship, loyalty, dreams and, ultimately, coming to terms with the past–and present," press notes state.

Joining Mr. Travanti in the cast is Adam Green, who recently appeared in All This Intimacy at Second Stage Theatre: Uptown. His other Off-Broadway credits include The Mines of Sulphur, Bone Portraits and Amerikus Rex.  He has also appeared in numerous regional productions. 

The Last Word… is presented Off-Broadway by Les Gutman and Elizabeth Cockrell in association with Friendly Fire.

The production features set design by Michael V. Moore and lighting design by Lucas Krech. Additional creative team to be announced.

Travanti originated the role of Henry Grunwald in the play's world-premiere last year at Malibu Stage Company. The Last Word… marks Travanti's New York stage debut. He is best known for his portrayal of Captain Frank Furillo on "Hill Street Blues," for which he received two Emmys and a Golden Globe Award. He currently appears as President Richard Mills on "Prison Break."

Outside New York, Mr. Travanti's stage credits include Old Wicked Songs, All My Sons, A Touch of the Poet, Rhinoceros, The Taming of the Shrew, and many more.  He also appeared as Nick in Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? opposite Colleen Dewhurst; in Twigs opposite Sada Thompson; and I Never Sang for My Father, which was later filmed for PBS' American Playhouse.

Performances run January 30-March 11 at Theatre at St. Clement's (423 West 46th Street); Tuesdays-Saturdays at 8pm; with matinees Wednesdays and Saturdays and 2pm; and Sundays at 3pm. Tickets are $65, and will be available through Ticket Central at 212-279-4200 or online at www.ticketcentral.com or at the Theatre at St. Clement's box office.