Circle Mirror Transformation, the Theatre-Games Hit, Returns to NYC Dec. 15

By Kenneth Jones
15 Dec 2009

Reed Birney and Deirdre O'Connell
Reed Birney and Deirdre O'Connell
Photo by Joan Marcus

Circle Mirror Transformation, Annie Baker's critically acclaimed play about tiny revelations and major shifts in the lives of Vermonters who participate in a theatre class, makes a month-long return to Playwrights Horizons starting Dec. 15.

A re-launch of a play that has closed at the Off-Broadway not-for-profit is rare, but after Circle Mirror Transformation was embraced by critics, and word of mouth helped sell out the twice-extended run, Playwrights Horizons' leadership sought to revive the show. The original run played Sept. 24-Nov. 21 at PH's Peter Jay Sharp Theater. The set was not struck, and there were no bookings in the space, so the cast of five, directed by Sam Gold, was invited back.

The new run plays to Jan. 17, 2010. Playwrights Horizons' Peter Jay Sharp Theater is on the fourth floor at 416 West 42nd Street, above the company's Mainstage (where This is now having its world premiere).

*

The returning cast includes Obie Award winner Reed Birney, Tony Award nominee Peter Friedman, Obie Award winner Deirdre O'Connell (as the earnest drama teacher), Tracee Chimo and Obie Award winner Heidi Schreck.

According to PH, "In Circle Mirror Transformation, when four lost New Englanders enrolled in a Shirley, Vermont community center drama class experiment with harmless games, hearts are quietly torn and tiny wars of epic proportions are waged and won. Annie Baker's new comedy is a beautifully crafted diorama, a petri dish in which we see, with hilarious detail and clarity, the sweet sadness of a motley quintet."

The production features scenic and costume design by David Zinn, lighting design by Mark Barton and sound design by Leah Gelpe. Production stage manager is Alaina Taylor.

The production has received support from the National Endowment for the Arts, Jerome Foundation, Tiger Baron Foundation, The Carter Fund and Peter Jay Sharp Foundation.

The basic performance schedule for Circle Mirror Transformation will be Tuesdays through Fridays at 7:30 PM, Saturdays at 2 PM & 7:30 PM and Sundays at 2 PM & 7 PM. Tickets, $50, may be purchased online via TicketCentral.com, by phone at (212) 279-4200 (noon-8 PM daily), or in person at the Ticket Central Box Office, 416 West 42nd Street (between Ninth & Tenth Avenues).

For more information, visit www.playwrightshorizons.org.