Michael Cristofer, Linda Emond, Michael Esper, Stephen Spinella Will Play NYC Bow of Kushner's Intelligent Homosexual's Guide

By Kenneth Jones
14 Dec 2010

Stephen Spinella stars in The Intelligent Homosexual's Guide to Capitalism and Socialism with a Key to the Scriptures.
Stephen Spinella stars in The Intelligent Homosexual's Guide to Capitalism and Socialism with a Key to the Scriptures.
Photo by Ben Strothmann

Initial casting has been announced for the New York City premiere of Tony Kushner's The Intelligent Homosexual's Guide to Capitalism and Socialism With a Key to the Scriptures, set for an Off-Broadway launch of March 22, 2011, at The Public Theater.

Director Michael Greif's company will include Bill Camp (Adam), Michael Cristofer (Gus), Linda Emond (Empty), Michael Esper (Eli), Steven Pasquale (Vinny) and Stephen Spinella (Pill). Cristofer, Emond, Esper and Spinella originated their roles in the Guthrie Theater's Greif-directed world premiere of the play. Additional casting will be announced soon.

This is a co-production between the Public and Off-Broadway's Signature Theatre.  Opening night is May 5. Performances will continue to June 12.

The new play by the author of Angels in America is billed this way: "In the summer of 2007, Gus Marcantonio, a retired longshoreman, summons his children to the family's Brooklyn brownstone for a series of shocking announcements. The Intelligent Homosexual's Guide… explores revolution, radicalism, marriage, sex, prostitution, politics, real estate, unions of all kinds and debts both repaid and unpayable."

Signature was in residence at The Public Theater for two seasons in 1995-1997, but this play marks the first time the two theatres have partnered to present a co-production.

Tickets are on sale to Public Theater members and Signature subscribers beginning Dec. 14. General public onsale is Jan. 25, 2011. To become a Public Theater Member and purchase Member tickets, visit www.publictheater.org or call (212) 967-7555. For more information on performance schedule, venue and box office, visit www.publictheater.org. For more information about the Tony Kushner Season at Signature Theatre Company, please visit www.signaturetheatre.org.