McCarter's The How and The Why Begins Performances 1/7

Academy, Tony and Obie Award winner Mercedes Ruehl will star in the McCarter Theatre's world premiere of Sarah Treem's The How and The Why, which begins previews Jan. 7.

Directed by artistic director Emily Mann, the cast also features New Jersey native Bess Rous. Opening night is scheduled for Jan. 14, and performances will continue through Feb. 13.

Evolution and emotion collide in Sarah Treem's thought-provoking and sharp new play about science, family, and survival of the fittest. On the eve of a prestigious conference, an up-and-coming evolutionary biologist wrestles for the truth with an established leader in the field. This intimate and keenly perceptive play explores the difficult choices women of every generation face.

The production features set design by Daniel Ostling, costume design by Jennifer Moeller, sound design by Robert Kaplowitz and lighting design by Stephen Strawbridge.

Mercedes Ruehl is the recipient of the Sallie B. Goodman Prize at McCarter Theatre and the play is the recipient of an Edgerton Foundation New American Plays award.

For tickets, call (609) 258-2787; toll-free at (888) 278-7932; online at www.mccarter.org; or at the McCarter Theatre Ticket Office at 91 University Place, Princeton, NJ.

Photo credit: T. Charles Erickson