By Ernio Hernandez
28 Aug 2008

Michael Shannon
photo by Aubrey Reuben

Michael Shannon, Paul Sparks and David Wilson Barnes star in the New York premiere of Craig Wright's Lady at Rattlestick Playwrights Theater starting Aug. 28.

Dexter Bullard (Bug, Grace) directs the production presented in association with Barrow Street Theatre. The limited engagement opens Sept. 8 for a run through Sept. 28.

"Deep in the woods of Illinois, three childhood friends come together on their annual hunting trip," reads a press release. "Now middle aged and divided by their conflicting political attitudes, they find that the common thread of memory has begun to tear." The work, commissioned by Northlight Theatre, received its world premiere at the company's Chicago home.

The cast features Shannon (Bug, The Little Flower of East Orange), Sparks (Take Me Out, American Sligo) and Barnes (Becky Shaw, St. Crispin's Day).

The design team includes John McDermott (sets), Tif Bullard (costumes), Nicole Pearce (lights), Eric Shim (sound) and Mary Robinette Kowal (props). Rick Sordelet handles fight choreography, and Brian Smallwood serves as technical director. Production stage manager is Katrina Renee Herrmann.

Wright — who created the current ABC television series "Dirty Sexy Money" — is known for his work on the stage as well. Recent works include Mistakes Were Made, Better Late, The Unseen and Grace. His The Pavilion was seen at Rattlestick, and he has also penned Main Street, Orange Flower Water, Recent Tragic Events, Molly's Delicious and Melissa Arctic. His TV credits also include episodes of HBO's "Six Feet Under" and ABC's "Lost" and "Brothers and Sisters."

Rattlestick's 14th anniversary season will continue with Stephen Belber's Geometry of Fire (Nov. 13-Dec. 21) and the world premiere of Sheila Callaghan's That Pretty Pretty; or, The Rape Play (Feb. 11-March 15, 2009).

Tickets to Lady at Rattlestick Playwrights Theater, 224 Waverly Place (between West 11th and Perry Street), are available by calling (212) 868-4444. For more information visit rattlestick.org.