Michael Esper Nominated for Irish Times Theatre Award

Michael Esper" border="0" height="375" hspace="10" src="https://cloudimages2.broadwayworld.com/upload/12576/New%20Folder%202/s22.jpg?format=auto&width=1400" title="Michael Esper " vspace="10" width="250"/>Michael Esper, who will be featured in Manhattan Theatre Club's upcoming production of The Four of Us, has been nominated for an Irish Times/ESB Irish Theatre Award in the category of Best Supporting Actor for his work in the Druid Theatre Company's production of Long Day's Journey Into Night. The winners of the Irish Times/ESB Irish Theatre Awards will be announced at an awards ceremony at Dublin's Burlington Hotel at 7:30 PM on Sunday, February 10.

The production, directed by Tony Award winner Garry Hynes (Translations, The Beauty Queen of Leenane), concluded its critically acclaimed run this past fall. The Galway City Tribune called Esper's performance, "poetry in motion." The production also featured Oscar nominee James Cromwell ("Six Feet Under," Babe) and Tony Award winner Marie Mullen (Beauty Queen of Leenane). Esper can currently be seen as 'Otto' in Edward Albee's Me, Myself, & I at The McCarter Theatre.

Itamar Moses' The Four of Us, which was recently named "Best New Play" by the San Diego Critics Circle, will begin rehearsals on Thursday, February 7 at Manhattan Theatre Club. Previews for the New York premiere will commence Thursday, March 6 for a Tuesday, March 25 opening at New York City Center – Stage II (131 West 55th Street).

Directed by Pam MacKinnon (Peter and Jerry, Bach at Leipzig), the two-person cast will feature Esper and Gideon Banner (Blue Man Group, The Four of Us at The Old Globe).

"When Benjamin's (Banner) first novel vaults him into literary stardom, his friend David (Esper), a struggling playwright, is thrilled for his newfound success...or is he?  Should Benjamin help David by using his new connections?  Can David even expect such favors from his friend?  And, most importantly, who should pay for lunch? The Four of Us is a poignant new play about friendship and memory, the gap between our stories and our lives, and what happens when your dreams come true – for your best friend," explain press notes.

The creative team for The Four of Us includes David Zinn (scenic and costume design), Russell H. Champa (lighting design), and Daniel Baker (sound design). Under the leadership of Artistic Director Lynne Meadow and Executive Producer Barry Grove, MTC has become one of the country's most prominent and prestigious theatre companies. MTC productions have earned numerous awards, including 16 Tony Awards and five Pulitzer Prizes, an accomplishment unparalleled by a New York theatrical institution. Renowned MTC productions include LoveMusik; Blackbird; Translations; Shining City; Rabbit Hole; Doubt; Kimberly Akimbo; Proof; The Tale of the Allergist's Wife; Love! Valour! Compassion!; Sylvia; Four Dogs and a Bone; Putting  It Together; Lips Together, Teeth Apart; Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune; Crimes of the Heart; and Ain't Misbehavin'.

In 2003, MTC reopened Broadway's landmark, long-neglected Biltmore Theatre, following a two-year, $35 million capital campaign. In addition to the Biltmore, MTC operates two theatres at New York City Center, its Off-Broadway home since 1984. During Meadow's sabbatical this season, Daniel Sullivan, a close associate of MTC and director of several Manhattan Theatre Club productions (Rabbit Hole, Brooklyn Boy, Sight Unseen, Proof, Psychopathia Sexualis), is serving as Acting Artistic Director. Sullivan will continue consulting with Meadow and MTC's artistic staff on the 2007-2008 season. Meadow will return to MTC for the 2008-2009 season and will consult on the planning of that season.

Tickets for The Four of Us are available by calling CityTix at (212) 581-1212, online at NYCityCenter.org, or in person at the New York City Center box office (131 West 55th Street, between 6th and 7th Avenue). Tickets are $50.00. Group and student rates are also available. For group ticket information, call (212) 399-3000 x 4132. Student tickets are $25 and will be on sale for all performances based on availability on the day of the performance, up to one hour before showtime. Call (212) 581-1212 for further information. MTC at New York City Center is accessible to people with disabilities and is equipped with a hearing augmentation system.

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