'Two Thousand Years' Opens Off-Bway Tonight with Lyonne, Gelber

The New Group proudly presents the US premiere of Mike Leigh's Two Thousand Years, set for a limited Off-Broadway engagement through March 8; officially opening tonight Thursday February 7 at 7PM at The Acorn Theatre (Theatre Row) at. Scott Elliott directs.

"Two Thousand Years deals with the tribulations of an assimilated Jewish family whose routine in quiet suburban London is upset when its lay-about 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," explain press notes.

Mike Leigh's 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.

Playwright Mike Leigh has written and directed plays and films since 1965, including his Oscar-nominated films Vera Drake, Topsy-Turvy and Secrets & Lies. His many plays include Ecstasy, Smelling A Rat, Goose-Pimples (London Evening Standard Peter Sellers Best Comedy Award in 1981), Babies Grow Old, Abigail's Party, Greek Tragedy and It's A Great Big Shame.

Directed by Scott Elliott, the production features Yuval Boim, David Cale, Laura Esterman, Jordan Gelber, Merwin Goldsmith, Cindy Katz, Natasha Lyonne and Richard Masur.

The creative team is Derek McLane (sets), Mimi O'Donnell (costume), Jason Lyons (lighting) and Ken Travis (sound). This production also features original music by the Grammy Award- winning klezmer band, The Klezmatics ("Wonder Wheel" - 2006 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary World Music Album).

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.

Natasha Lyonne, Cindy Katz, Laura Esterman and Jordan Gelber (photo by Carol Rosegg)

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