Edward R. Murrow, champion of a generation of serious-minded journalists for confronting Sen. Joseph McCarthy, is the subject of A Question of Loyalty, a new Off-Off-Broadway play opening Oct. 21 in New York. Previews began Oct. 15. The playwriting debut of screenwriter Michael Hickey is subtitled The Rise and Fall of Edward R. Murrow, presented at the Producer's Club II, 616 9th Avenue between 43rd and 44th in New York City. The play continues through Nov. 1.
The drama examines the chain-smoking broadcast journalist's rocky professional relationship with CBS Chairman William Paley. The mid 20th century characters include Marilyn Monroe, journalism ethics legend Fred Friendly, Sen. Joseph McCarthy and others.
Publicist Kevin Rehac says "CBS Evening News" anchor Dan Rather, a passionate fan of Murrow's, will attend a performance in the opening weekend.
The company, directed by playwright Hickey, includes Joseph Lustig as Murrow and Michael Barry Greer as Paley. Also in the cast are Susan Brandner, John Canary, Don Creech, Michele Fulves, Chris Gannon, Melinda Lane, Robert Mason, John C. Muntone, Kimberly "Q" Parnell and Victor Warren.
Tickets are $12. Call (212) 279-4200.
-- By Kenneth Jones
