Chernus & Gummer to Star in 'Hunting and Gathering'

Primary Stages, in association with Daryl Roth and True Love Productions, has announced casting for the third production of the 2007-2008 season, the world premiere of the play Hunting and Gathering by Brooke Berman, directed by Leigh Silverman (Well).

The four-member cast features Michael Chernus (Essential Self Defense) as Astor, Mamie Gummer (The Water's Edge) as Bess, Keira Naughton (The Rivals) as Ruth, and Jeremy Shamos (Gutenberg! The Musical!) as Jesse.

Performances begin Tuesday evening, January 22, 2008 for a limited run through Saturday, March 1, 2008 at Primary Stages at 59E59 Theaters (59 East 59th Street, between Park and Madison Avenues).   Opening night is set for Sunday, February 3, 2008 at 6PM.

"Brooke Berman's sharp, satiric voice returns to Primary Stages (where she was a member of the Dorothy Strelsin New American Writers Group) with Hunting and Gathering.  This world premiere play follows four interconnected New Yorkers through their thwarted attempts to find their place – without compromise.  Jesse has his first date since his divorce, his ex-lover Ruth is living a fantasy, his brother Astor is the "man with the van," and Bess has a plan to come out on top.  Ms. Berman's contemporary play begs the question:  Do you have to be a predator to survive?" explain press notes,

The creative team includes David Korins (Sets), Miranda Hoffman (Costumes), Ben Stanton (Lights), Robert Kaplowitz (Sound), and Melonie Rademaker (Music Consultant).

Hunting and Gathering will play the following schedule: Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m., Wednesdays through Friday at 8:00 p.m., and Saturdays at 2:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.  Additionally, there are Sunday matinees scheduled for January 27th and February 10th at 3:00 p.m., with a Wednesday matinee on February 20th at 2:00 p.m.  Primary Stages will present 1:00 p.m. performances to student groups at no charge, under the auspices of the Primary Stages NYC Public School Student Matinee Program. 

Additionally, following the public performances on February 7th and 14th, there are special "Artist/Audience Talkbacks" for the attendees of the performances on those evenings.  Single tickets for Hunting and Gathering go on sale December 17, 2007 and are priced at $60 each.   Tickets may be purchased by calling TicketCentral at (212) 279-4200, online at www.ticketcentral.com, or in person at the 59E59 Theaters Box Office.  Group Tickets (15+) are $47.50 each, and are available by calling (212) 840-9705.  For further information about Primary Stages, please visit the website at www.primarystages.com, or call (212) 840-9705.

Photo of Mamie Gummer by Walter McBride/Retna Ltd

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