New World Stages Presents THE TEMPERAMENTALS

"The Temperamentals" by Jon Marans opens Off Broadway at New World Stages (340 West 50th Street) on Sunday, February 28th. Daryl Roth, Stacy Shane and Martian Entertainment are presenting the new American play. Previews began Thursday, February 18th.

Thomas Jay Ryan (recently on Broadway "In The Next Room") portrays Harry Hay. Michael Urie (from TV's "Ugly Betty") is Rudi Gernreich. Arnie Burton (an original cast member of Broadway's "39 Steps") joins the cast in multiple roles. Rounding out the cast of five multiple talented actors are Matthew Schneck, and Sam Breslin Wright. Daryl Roth, Stacy Shane and Martian Entertainment are presenting the new American play. The play began as a showcase the end of April in an intimate Studio Theatre. All performances were sold out in advance with a waiting list for the initial engagement. Due to the tremendous critical and popular acclaim, it moved to a larger theatre for a few weeks extension. It then extended two more times during the summer. The hit play is directed by Jonathan Silverstein. The Set & Costume design is by Clint Ramos, lighting by Josh Bradford and Daniel Kluger is the sound designer. (2 hrs 15 mins including intermission)

"The Temperamentals" tells the story of two men - the communist Harry Hay and the Viennese refugee and designer Rudi Gernreich - as they fall in love while building the first gay rights organization in the United States pre Stonewall. The play weaves together the personal and political to tell a relatively unknown chapter in gay history. It explores the love between two complex men, as their impossible dream of forming such an unheard of organization becomes a reality in this perilous, unpredictable world. It is an intimate portrayal of the men who created history and the epic struggles they overcame. The characters consist of the actual men who founded the Mattachine Society (Harry Hay, Rudi Gernreich, Chuck Rowland, Bob Hull, and Dale Jennings), as well as other prominent figures of the time in Hollywood and the film industry as well as the world of fashion. www.thetemperamentals.com

Jon Marans' "Old Wicked Songs" was a 1996 Pulitzer Prize Finalist for Drama, winner of New York Drama League, L.A. Drama Logue Award, and included in Otis Guernsey's Best Plays of 1996-97. It has been produced in over a dozen countries including in London's West End with Bob Hoskins and James Callis. Jonathan Silverstein recent credits are the acclaimed Off Broadway revivals of "The Dining Room" (Drama Desk nomination; Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Ensemble) and "Tea and Sympathy", both for the Keen Company, where he serves as Resident Director.

Performances are: Monday; Thursday; Friday at 8:00 pm; Saturday at 2:00 pm & 8:00 pm and Sunday at 3:00 pm & 7:00 pm. Regular ticket prices are: $65 and student tickets for $25 for the mezzanine. The student tickets are available in advance and must be purchased at the box office. Special group rates are also available. Tickets are on sale at the box office and through TeleCharge (212) 239-6200 or (800) 432-7250 and TeleCharge.com.

Need more Off-Broadway Theatre News in your life?
Sign up for all the news on the Spring season, discounts & more...