Metcalf, Bakula Lead Geffen's 'Quality of Life'

The Geffen Playhouse has announced the cast lineup for their first produced play in the theater's new commission program, The Quality of Life, which will star Laurie Metcalf, Scott Bakula, Dennis Boutsikaris and JoBeth Williams and begins previews October 2, 2007 and opens October 10.  The production is written and directed by Emmy Award-winning writer Jane Anderson and is described as a four-character drama revolving around two couples exploring morality, religion, politics and what determines the value of a life.

The first production to appear in the playhouse's intimate Audrey Kenis Skirball theater this season, The Quality of Life was written for a space in which the audience would feel immersed in the action on stage.   Without a traditional proscenium, the Audrey enables the audience to be enveloped into the play's literally burnt-out world, which is set in the aftermath of an all-consuming residential wildfire.   Anderson, who is also directing the production, plans to use the space to reinforce not only the inter-character relationships, but also the relationship between characters and the audience, both of which are integral to this work. 

"There's a terrible rift in this country between the far right and the far left," said writer/director Anderson.  "One of the things I hope to achieve with The Quality of Life is to help the audience recognize that in the face of this dichotomy of ideals, there's the possibility of finding a common human connection."

Representing the "far left" in this production is Metcalf in the role of Jeannette, coupled with Boutsikaris as Jeannette's husband Neil.  Having previously appeared at the Geffen Playhouse in Anderson's production of Looking for Normal, Metcalf was the actress Anderson had in mind while developing this character.

"I consider Laurie to be one of the great actresses of the American stage," said Anderson.  "She's a brilliant chameleon and she works from a place of profound emotional depth.  But she also has a wicked sense of humor."
Metcalf and Boutsikaris are complemented by Bakula and Williams who represent the "far right," as Jeannette's mid-western cousins, Bill and Dinah.  With each character distinct – and vocal – in his or her ideals, Anderson's production is a world premiere that urges the audience to question their own world.  The Quality of Life opens on October 10 – appropriately, right in the middle of Los Angeles' fire season, and runs until November 18, 2007.

Tickets ($69 for all performances except Friday and Saturday evenings, which are $74) are on sale now at the Geffen Playhouse box office, online at GeffenPlayhouse.com and via credit card phone order at 310-208-5454.  The Geffen Playhouse is located at 10886 Le Conte Avenue in Westwood.

Top Photo of Laurie Metcalf by Michael Lamont.  Bottom Photo of Scott Bakula.

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