Photo Flash: THE ROYAL FAMILY Takes Over 10/8

The new Broadway production of The Royal Family began previews Tuesday, September 15 and is set to open Thursday, October 8 at MTC’s Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street).

It’s half past one in the fabulously cluttered Cavendish duplex in the East Fifties, and anyone who’s anyone is still asleep. So begins The Royal Family, the classic comedy of theatrical manners, written by two of the theatre’s greatest writers, George S. Kaufman and Edna Ferber, whose other storied collaborations include Dinner at Eight and Stage Door.

This devilishly funny play follows the Cavendishes, the famous family of stage stars, as they go about the drama of the day: choosing scripts, dashing off to a performance, and stealing kisses with handsome beaus. But what’s this business about the younger Miss Cavendish wanting to quit the stage for domestic bliss? Never, darling!

The cast for The Royal Family includes with Ana Gasteyer, John Glover, RoseMary Harris, Jan Maxwell, Larry Pine, Tony Roberts and Reg Rogers.

The creative team for The Royal Family includes John Lee Beatty (Scenic Design), Catherine Zuber  (Costume Design), Kenneth Posner (Lighting Design), Darron L. West (Sound Design), Maury Yeston (Original Music), Tom Watson (Hair & Wig Design), and Rick Sordelet.

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. 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’.

Last season, MTC’s Broadway stage was renamed the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street). The landmarked theatre has been the institution’s home on Broadway since 2003 and was rehabilitated by MTC following a two-year, $35 million capital campaign. In addition, MTC operates an Off-Broadway home at New York City Center (131 West 55th Street), where it has been in residence since 1984.
(Fight Director).

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.  Single tickets for The Royal Family are on sale via www.Telecharge.com or by calling (212) 239-6200.  Tickets are also available at the Samuel J. Friedman Box Office (261 West 47th Street).

Photo Credit: Boneau/Bryan-Brown 

Rufus Collins, RoseMary Harris and Reg Rogers

Jan Maxwell, Kelli Barrett and RoseMary Harris

Ana Gasteyer and Reg Rogers

Ana Gasteyer and John Glover

Jan Maxwell and Tony Roberts