Mike Leigh's 'Two Thousand Years' Premieres Off-Bway Tomorrow

The New Group proudly presents the US premiere of Mike Leigh's Two Thousand Years, set for a limited Off-Broadway engagement from January 15 – March 8.  Directed by Scott Elliott, the production will have its Official Opening Night on Thursday, February 7 at 7:00 PM at The New Group @ Theatre Row (The Acorn Theatre/410 West 42nd Street).

"Two Thousand Years deals with the tribulations of an assimilated Jewish family whose routine in quiet suburban London is upset when its layabout son begins following a devout lifestyle.  His sudden commitment to an orthodox observance sparks diverse reactions across the generations of his family.  This play dissects the dilemmas of a modern family experiencing a crisis of faith in politics, religion and social progress. Two Thousand Years had its world premiere at The National Theatre on the West End on September 5, 2005.  The show officially opened there on September 8, 2005, and enjoyed a sold-out run through January 31, 2006," state press notes.

Mike Leigh has written and directed plays and films since 1965, including his Oscar-nominated films Vera Drake, Topsy-Turvy and Secrets & Lies. Directed by Scott Elliott, the production features Yuval Boim (The Book Play), David Cale (Three Penny Opera, Present Laughter), Laura Esterman (The Show Off, Metamorphosis).

Two Thousand Years marks the 5th US Premiere of a play by Mike Leigh at The New Group directed by Scott Elliott.  In past collaborations at The New Group, Elliott directed Leigh's Abigail's Party, Smelling A Rat, Goose-Pimples and Ecstasy, all of which earned critical acclaim. His Broadway credits include The Threepenny Opera, Barefoot in the Park, The Women, Three Sisters and Present Laughter.

Two Thousand Years will play at The New Group @ Theatre Row (The Acorn Theatre / 410 West 42nd Street, between 9th & 10th Avenue) as follows: Monday at 8:00 PM, Tuesday at 7:00 PM, Wednesday through Saturday at 8:00 PM and Saturday at 2:00 PM (matinee).  

Tickets may be arranged through Ticket Central at www.ticketcentral.com or (212) 279-4200, or at the Theatre Row Box Office (12:00–8:00 PM daily).  Tickets are $56.25.  For more information, visit www.thenewgroup.org.