Westport Country Playhouse's Michael Urie-Led BUYER & CELLAR to Air on THIRTEEN

Westport Country Playhouse's production of "Buyer & Cellar," starring Michael Urie, will air on "Theater Close-Up" on New York's public television station THIRTEEN, on Monday, December 5, at 10 p.m., with an encore presentation on Sunday, December 11, at 1 a.m. The comedy was captured live on The Playhouse stage during its run last June. "Theater Close-Up" is a collaboration between THIRTEEN and the community of New York City area, Off-Broadway, and regional theaters.

The comedy "Buyer & Cellar" is about a beloved megastar named Barbra who has a mall in the basement of her Mailbu mansion. Alex More, played by Urie, is a struggling L.A. actor who finds himself with the odd job of the mall's shopkeeper. He takes the audience on a rollercoaster ride of fame and friendship at the outer reaches of American celebrity. Playwright is Jonathan Tolins, a resident of Fairfield, CT.

Michael Urie, who won the Drama Desk, Clarence Derwent, Lucille Lortel, and LA Drama Critics awards for originating the role of Alex More, is well known for the portraying Marc St. James on the award-winning "Ugly Betty" television series, and is currently appearing in "Homos, Or Everyone in America," at LAByrinth Theater Company.

The original design and production team was reunited for the Westport production, including Stephen Brackett, who also directed the Off-Broadway show; Andrew Boyce, scenic design; Jessica Pabst, costume design; Eric Southern, lighting design; Stowe Nelson, sound design; Alex Basco Koch, projection design; Hannah Woodward, production stage manager; and Sam Pinkleton, musical staging.

Taping of the Westport Country Playhouse production for "Theater Close-Up" was made possible by Howard J. Aibel. Production Sponsor was Joyce Hergenhan; Corporate Production Sponsor was Fidelity.

The production was directed for television by David Horn. Mitch Owgang is producer; Bill O'Donnell is series producer; and David Horn is executive producer. Executive-in-charge for WNET is Neal Shapiro.

The mission of Westport Country Playhouse is to enrich, enlighten, and engage the community through the power of professionally produced theater worth talking about and the welcoming experience of The Playhouse campus. The Playhouse creates this relationship with the community and provides this experience in multiple ways by offering: Live theater experiences of the highest quality under the artistic direction of Mark Lamos from May through November; educational and community engagement events and opportunities to further explore issues presented by the work on stage; special performances and programs for students and teachers with extensive curriculum support material; Script in Hand play readings throughout the year to deepen relationships with audiences and artists alike; the renowned Woodward Internship Program training program during the summer months for aspiring theater professionals; Family Festivities presentations from November through April to delight young and old alike and to promote reading through live theater; and the beautiful and historic Playhouse campus open for enjoyment and community events year-round. The value of the Westport Country Playhouse to all it touches is immeasurable.

Pictured: Michael Urie in Westport Country Playhouse's production of "Buyer & Cellar," on THIRTEEN's "Theater Close-Up", Mon., Dec. 5, at 10 p.m. Photo by Carol Rosegg.

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