Playwrights Horizons Announces Final Extension for THE WHALE, Through 12/15

Due to popular demand, Playwrights Horizons (Tim Sanford, Artistic Director; Leslie Marcus, Managing Director) has announced a second, final extension of its critically-acclaimed, sold-out New York premiere of The Whale, a new play by Obie Award winner Samuel D. Hunter (A Bright New Boise). Originally set to play a limited engagement through Sunday, December 2, the production originally extended to Sunday, December 9 and now extends to Saturday, December 15 at Playwrights Horizons' Peter Jay Sharp Theater (416 West 42nd Street). This additional week represents the final extension possible for the production.

Directed by Davis McCallum, The Whale began previews Friday, October 12 and had its official opening on Monday, November 5.

Charles Isherwood of The New York Times called The Whale, "An affecting new drama. There may be no more startling image on a New York stage right now." Rex Reed of The New York Observer pronounced it "Riveting! Davis McCallum's direction forms an impassioned and arresting clash of minds and emotions. Shuler Hensley's performance is dynamic and horrifying. His performance is NOT TO BE MISSED! " Michael Feingold of The Village Voice called it, "Vibrant and provocative." Scott Brown of New York Magazine raved, calling it "Extraordinary! Shuler Hensley is exceptional." John Lahr of The New Yorker called it, "Compelling and psychologically complex. Shuler Hensley is excellent. Samuel D. Hunter is a bold theatrical storyteller." Elisabeth Vincentelli of The New York Post called it "Wonderful! Shuler Hensley gives a startlingly poignant performance." Joe Dziemianowicz of Daily News gave it FOUR STARS, calling it "A deeply affecting and piercingly amusing play. Shuler Hensley gives a whopper of a performance." And David Cote of Time Out-New York named it a Critics' Pick, also giving it FOUR STARS and calling it "Sharp and funny. Shuler Hensley is harrowingly good."

The acclaimed cast features Theatre World Award winner Cassie Beck, Reyna de Courcy, Tony Award and Obie Award winner Shuler Hensley, Tasha Lawrence and Cory Michael Smith. Ms. Beck will play her final performance with the production this Sunday evening, November 25. Beginning Tuesday, November 27, the role of Liz will be assumed by Rebecca Henderson (The Retributionists at PH, The Collection & A Kind of Alaska: Two Plays by Harold Pinter at The Atlantic, the recent Red-Handed Otter).

On the outskirts of Mormon Country, Idaho, a six-hundred pound recluse (Mr. Hensley) hides away in his apartment eating himself to death. Desperate to reconnect with his long-estranged daughter (Ms. de Courcy), he reaches out to her, only to find a viciously sharp-tongued and wildly unhappy teen. Big-hearted and fiercely funny, The Whale tells the story of a man's last chance at redemption, and of finding beauty in the most unexpected places.

The production features scenic design by Mimi Lien, costume design by Jessica Pabst, lighting design by Jane Cox and sound design by Fitz Patton. Production Stage Manager is Alaina Taylor.

The performance schedule for The Whale is Tuesdays through Fridays at 7:30 PM, Saturdays at 2 & 7:30 PM and Sundays at 2 & 7PM. Single tickets, $60 with some premium seats available at $72, may be purchased online via www.TicketCentral.com, by phone at (212) 279-4200 (Noon-8pm daily), or in person at the Ticket Central Box Office, 416 West 42nd Street (between Ninth & Tenth Avenues).

Reflecting Playwrights Horizons' ongoing commitment to making its productions more affordable to younger audiences, the theater company will offer HOTtix, $25 rush tickets, subject to availability, day of performance only, starting one hour before showtime to patrons aged 30 and under. Proof of age required. One ticket per person, per purchase.

HOTtix is one of Playwrights Horizons' popular Arts Access initiatives, which allow the institution to reach out to those who may not be able to afford the cost of a full-price theater ticket. This program is supported, in part, by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and The McGraw-Hill Companies.

Membership packages to Playwrights Horizons' 2012/2013 season are now available: 30&Under Membership ($20 membership fee + one $20 ticket for each show, as desired); and Student Membership ($10 membership fee + one $10 ticket for each show, as desired). In addition to discounts on all season attractions, members receive priority booking and seating, ticket exchange privileges, parking and dining discounts, and exclusive mailings of Playwrights Horizons Bulletins. Packages are available at www.TicketCentral.com.

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