MTC's THE EXPLORERS CLUB Begins Final Two Weeks Tonight

Manhattan Theatre Club's critically acclaimed production of THE EXPLORERS CLUB, the world premiere comedy by Tony Award nominee Nell Benjamin, directed by Marc Bruni, begins its final two weeks of performances tonight at 7 PM at MTC at New York City Center - Stage I (131 West 55th Street). The extended engagement will play its final performance on Sunday, August 4. On that date, the production will have played 26 preview performances and 54 regular performances.

THE EXPLORERS CLUB features Brian Avers (Rock 'n' Roll), Max Baker (Cyrano DeBergerac), Steven Boyer (Gentlemen Prefer Blondes), Arnie Burton (Peter and the Starcatcher), Carson Elrod (All in the Timing), David Furr (The Importance of Being Earnest), John McMartin (Into The Woods), Lorenzo Pisoni (Humor Abuse at MTC), andJennifer Westfeldt (Friends With Kids, Wonderful Town).

THE EXPLORERS CLUB is a new madcap comedy set in London, 1879. The prestigious Explorers Club is in crisis: their acting president wants to admit a woman, and their bartender is terrible.

True, this female candidate is brilliant, beautiful, and has discovered a legendary Lost City, but the decision to let in a woman could shake the very foundation of the British Empire, and how do you make such a decision without a decent drink?

Grab your safety goggles for some very mad science involving deadly cobras, irate Irishmen and the occasional airship.

The creative team for THE EXPLORERS CLUB features Donyale Werle (scenic design), Anita Yavich (costume design), Philip Rosenberg(lighting design), Darron L West (sound design), Laurence O'Keefe (original music), Tom Watson (hair & wig design), Angelina Avallone(makeup design).

Lead support for THE EXPLORERS CLUB is provided by MTC's Producing Fund Partner, Andrew Martin-Weber. Production support provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation as part of the MTC/Sloan Science Theatre Initiative. THE EXPLORERS CLUB is a recipient of an Edgerton Foundation New American Plays Award.

Tickets for THE EXPLORERS CLUB are available by calling CityTix at 212-581-1212, online by visiting www.nycitycenter.org, or by visiting the MTC'S New York City Center-Stage 1 (131 West 55th Street). Ticket prices are $85. For more information on MTC, visit www.ManhattanTheatreClub.com.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE FOR The Explorers Club: THROUGH SUNDAY, AUGUST 4: Tuesday and Wednesday at 7 PM, Thursday through Saturday at 8 PM. Matinees on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2 PM.