Susan Sarandon & Marin Ireland to Star in The New Group's HAPPY TALK

The New Group announces that Susan Sarandon and Marin Ireland will appear in the upcoming world premiere of Jesse Eisenberg's Happy Talk, previously announced for the company's current 2018-2019 season with the title Yea, Sister!. Directed by Scott Elliott, Happy Talk begins previews April 30 in advance of an Official Opening Night on Thursday, May 16. A limited Off-Broadway engagement is slated through June 2 at The Pershing Square Signature Center (The Alice Griffin Jewel Box Theatre, 480 West 42nd Street).

Lorraine (Susan Sarandon) is a saint of the suburbs. On top of trying to save her dying mother, miserable husband and estranged daughter, she's starring as Bloody Mary in the Jewish Community Center production of South Pacific. When her mother's home aide, Serbian immigrant Ljuba (Marin Ireland), asks for help finding a husband, Lorraine takes on her most challenging role to date: matchmaker. In Jesse Eisenberg's hysterical and devastating play, Happy Talk, he reveals the absurd lengths people go to save themselves in the name of saving others. Scott Elliott helms this world premiere for The New Group. Additional casting to be announced.

The production will include Scenic Design by Derek McLane, Costume Design by Clint Ramos, Lighting Design by Jeff Croiter and Sound Design by Rob Milburn and Michael Bodeen.

This production reunites Jesse Eisenberg with The New Group, where previously he appeared in the world premiere production of his play The Spoils, directed by Scott Elliott. Following an acclaimed Off-Broadway engagement, in 2016 The Spoils enjoyed a hit production in the West End, at London's Trafalgar Studios, helmed by Scott Elliott and presented by Lisa Matlin and Adam Speers for Ambassador Theatre Group.

Tickets for Happy Talk go on sale March 4 at noon. General schedule April 30 - May 15: Tuesday - Friday at 7:30pm? Saturday at 2:00 and 8:00pm; Sunday at 2:00pm and 7:30pm. Beginning May 17, regular playing schedule: Tuesday - Friday at 7:30pm? Saturday at 2:00 and 8:00pm; Sunday at 2:00pm; with Wednesday matinees at 2:00pm. Regular tickets start at $75. For single ticket purchases, please visit TheNewGroup.org. Single tickets can also be purchased by calling Ticket Central at (212) 279-4200, or in person at 416 West 42nd Street (12-8pm daily).

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / WM Photos