The Public Theater has announced complete casting for the world premiere of Richard Nelson’s Illyria. Nelson, who will direct the production, returns to the Off-Broadway theatre following his acclaimed election trilogies The Gabriels and The Apply Family Plays.
As previously announced, Nelson’s Illyria will detail a forgotten chapter of the Public’s colorful history. Set in 1958, the play traces the early career of Joseph Papp, the theatre’s celebrated founder, as he fought to keep the free Shakespeare in the Park productions alive.
The Front Page’s John Magaro will star as Joe Papp in the world premiere, alongside House of Cards’ Kristen Connolly as Peggy Papp.
Performances of Illyria are set to begin October 22 ahead of an October 30 opening night. The limited engagement is scheduled through November 26.
Joining Magaro and Connolly will be Will Brill as Bernie Gersten, Blake DeLong as David Amram, Emma Duncan as Gladys Vaughan, Naian González Norvind as Mary Bennett, Fran Kranz as Merle Debuskey, John Sanders as Stuart Vaughan, and Max Woertendyke as John Robertson.