Leonard Foglia directs the work which will open Feb. 16 at the new Off-Broadway theatre space (located at its namesake 59 East 59th Street in Manhattan) for a limited engagement.
The Stendhal Syndrome combines the two plays: Full Frontal Nudity — about three American tourists who are urged by an Italian guide to bask in the beauty of Michelangelo's "David" — and Prelude & Liebestod — which finds a celebrated conductor watching his life unravel right before his eyes as he leads the opening and ending pieces of Wagner's "Tristan und Isolde."
Thomas and Rossellini head up a cast that also includes Michael Countryman (Night Must Fall, House and Garden) and Yul Vázquez ("Traffic," "Seinfeld"). The previously announced Langella (Fortune's Fool) is now slated to return to Broadway this spring in Stephen Belber's Match.
Making his Broadway debut at the age of seven in Sunrise at Campobello, Thomas grew to become known for his Emmy Award-winning turn as John-Boy in "The Waltons." The actor, who has juggled both stage and television, recently appeared in Tiny Alice. Other credits include Love Letters, The Front Page, Fifth of July and The Seagull. He starred in the 1990 television adaptation of McNally's Andre's Mother.
Film star Rossellini will make her stage debut in Stendhal. The sometime model is known for her appearances in such films as "White Nights," "Blue Velvet," "Roger Dodger," "Cousins," "Wild At Heart," and "Big Night." Director Foglia has teamed up with McNally on Master Class on Broadway and Dead Man Walking at New York City Opera. His other credits include Wait Until Dark, One Touch of Venus, If Memory Serves and Lonely Planet.
The design team for Stendhal includes Michael McGarty (set), David C. Woolard (costumes), Russell H. Champa (lighting), Elaine J. McCarthy (projections) and David Van Tieghem (sound) — who also provides original music.
Tickets to The Stendhal Syndrome at 59E59, 59 East 59th Street (between Madison and Park Avenues), go on sale after Jan. 11, 2004. For subscriptions, call (212) 840-9705. For more information, visit www.primarystages.com.
