Photo Flash: NUREYEV'S EYES Opens Tonight at George Street Playhouse

George Street Playhouse presents David Rush's NUREYEV'S EYES, which runs now through February 21 at the New Brunswick theatre. Bill Dawes portrays Russian defector and star of ballet and screen, Rudolf Nureyev; William Connell plays painter Jamie Wyeth, the son of famed artist Andrew Wyeth and grandson of illustrator N.C. Wyeth. The production is helmed by George Street Playhouse Resident Artistic Director Michael Mastro. The show opens tonight, February 5, and BroadwayWorld has a first look at the stars onstage below!

NUREYEV'S EYES -- the top prize winner at both Dayton Playhouse's FutureFest and Firehouse Theatre's Festival of New American Plays in 2012 -- is a riveting fictional account of the very real interaction between two great artists. Beginning in 1977 and lasting over a period of several years, Wyeth produced hundreds of paintings and drawings of Nureyev. Fighting personal demons and demanding perfection, the two developed a friendship that transcended their differences and lasted until the end of Nureyev's storied career and too-short life in 1993. Struggling to capture the icon on paper and canvas, Wyeth is not satisfied until an unexpected breakthrough provides new inspiration - opening his eyes to what is right in front of him.

Nureyev was a frequent guest of Wyeth and his wife at their family farm in Chadds Ford, Pa., where the Brandywine River Museum of Art features galleries showcasing works by the Wyeth family. Jamie Wyeth is still very active and appeared at the museum a year ago, in conjunction with a special exhibition of his work.

The set has been designed by Alexis Distler, who was an assistant on Broadway's Act One, which earned a Tony Award for Best Scenic Design. The creative team also includes costume designer Esther Arroyo, lighting designer Christopher Bailey, and sound designer/original music composer Scott Killian -- all of whom were part of the 2013 world premiere production of Joe DiPietro's Clever Little Lies with Marlo Thomas at George Street Playhouse as well as the current off-Broadway production of that show at New York City's Westside Theatre. Charlie Williams serves as choreographer.

Individual tickets, starting at $25, are now on sale, as are 3-Play subscription packages. Contact the George StreetPlayhouse Box Office at 732-246-7717 or visit www.GSPonline.org for tickets and information. George StreetPlayhouse is located at 9 Livingston Avenue in heart of New Brunswick's vibrant downtown dining and entertainment district, steps away from plentiful parking and dining options for every palate and pocketbook.

Photo Credit: T. Charles Erickson