GSP artistic director David Saint will helm the world-premiere production, which will begin previews at the New Brunswick venue May 11 with an official opening scheduled for May 14. Performances will continue through June 6. In a statement director Saint said, "I have wanted to bring Sandy to George Street since I worked with her Off-Broadway in The Fourth Wall. When I first read this remarkable play of Joe’s, I thought she would be perfect in the role of Claire. And of course, I have been a fan of Joe’s writing for some time now. I am so thrilled to welcome both this remarkable playwright and gifted actress to New Brunswick."

Creating Claire, according to press notes, is a "powerful exploration of the supernova that results when science, faith and politics collide. Employed as a docent at a Natural History Museum, Claire (played by Sandy Duncan) comes under fire when her tour guide patter deviates from the strict scientific beliefs of her formidable supervisor and heads down a more spiritual path." Additional casting will be announced in coming weeks.

Sandy Duncan received Tony Award nominations for her performances in Canterbury Tales, The Boy Friend and Peter Pan. Her other Broadway credits include Love Is a Time of Day, My One and Only and Chicago. Also a star of television and film, Duncan was nominated for Emmy Awards for her performances in "Funny Face" and "Roots."

George Street Playhouse is located at 9 Livingston Avenue in New Brunswick, NJ. For ticket information visit GSPonline.org.