Before she hits the stage in the MCC Theatre production of Neil LaBute's The Mercy Seat, actress Sigourney Weaver will reprise the role she originated in a free performance of The Flea Theater production of The Guys. The special Lincoln Center Theatre presentation will play at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre on Sept. 11 at 8PM in observance of the anniversary of the events of last Sept. 11.
The Guys, based on Nelson's real experiences, is a dialogue between a fire captain — who has lost most of his men in the Sept. 11 attack — and an editor who helps him write the eulogies as she struggles herself to come to terms with the event. Both find out, as quoted from the text, "We have no idea what wonders lie hidden in the people around us."
New York City's Bat Theatre Company was a little-known Off-Off Broadway troupe headed up by artistic director Jim Simpson. But in December 2001, when the theatre was still struggling in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks, the company — just blocks from Ground Zero — workshopped The Guys penned by first-time playwright Anne Nelson. The play — which became a full production — revitalized the little company with its big name casts.
ContentFilm financed, produced and will distribute the screen version of the play, which will premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, Sept. 5-14. The movie features Weaver and fellow former cast member Anthony LaPaglia under the direction of Simpson. The Guys also hit bookshelves in Aug. 13 as published by Random House.
The New York cast of The Guys has included Bill Murray, Weaver, Bill Irwin, LaPaglia, Susan Sarandon, Tim Robbins, Swoosie Kurtz, Tom Wopat, Amy Irving, Carol Kane, Marlo Thomas and Stephen Lang. The Los Angeles production at The Actors' Gang has featured artistic director Tim Robbins, Helen Hunt, Sarandon, Philip Baker Hall and Jeanne Tripplehorn. The actor, yet to be announced, to play opposite Weaver in this special presentation, will be among the former cast members of the production.
Tickets to the Sept. 11 performance at the Vivian Beaumont Theater, 150 West 65 Street, will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis with a limit of two tickets per person, beginning at 12 noon Sept. 11 at the box office.
— by Ernio Hernandez
