By Robert Simonson
21 May 2003

Intrigue With Faye, the MCC production of the new play by Kate Robin with two well known television headliners in the leads, will begin previews at Theatre Row's Acorn Theatre on May 23.

Benjamin Bratt and Julianna Margulies are the stars, and they are backed up by a half-dozen famous and semi-famous performers—albeit only on a screen. Making up the sextet are Gretchen Mol (The Shape of Things), Craig Bierko (The Music Man), Swoosie Kurtz (Imaginary Friends), Tom Noonan (Buried Child), Michael Gaston (Joe Egg) and Jenna Lamia (The Glory of Living). Mol plays the title character of Faye, a TV producer involved in an affair with Bratt's character — who is also involved with make-up artist Tina played by Lamia. Kurtz, Noonan and Gaston play clientele of Margulies' therapist character and Bierko plays a colleague.

The play, directed by Jim Simpson, runs to June 28, with a June 11 opening. First preview was first announced as May 21, but was bumped a couple days to May 23.

Intrigue With Faye concerns an urban couple so self-conscious they decide to cheat trust by videotaping their every move. The dark comedy delves into issues of exhibitionism and confession via the electronic medium. The play was developed at Atlantic Theater Company and NY Stage and Film — where Margulies starred.

Margulies appeared onstage in Lincoln Center Theater's production of Ten Unknowns opposite Donald Sutherland. The actress, who also appeared in The Vagina Monologues, is best remembered as an original cast member of television's "ER."

Bratt is best known for his 4-year stint on "Law & Order." The actor has also appeared in such films as "Pinero," "Traffic" and "Miss Congeniality." Bratt appeared onstage recently in a benefit for "The 24 Hour Plays."

Playwright Robin was the 1995 recipient of the Princess Grace Award for Playwriting and a 1997 recipient of the Whitfield Cook Prize. She also serves as executive story editor for the HBO drama, "Six Feet Under." Her stagework includes The Light Outside (The Flea Theatre), Swimming In March (Market Theater), Bride Stripped Bare (ThreadWaxing Space) and 7 Trumpets (The Women's Project).

Director Simpson is the founder and artistic director of The Flea Theatre. He helmed the stage production as well as the subsequent film version of "The Guys" starring his wife Sigourney Weaver.

Tickets to Intrigue With Faye at the Acorn Theatre, 410 West 42nd Street, are available by calling (212) 279-4200. For more information on MCC, visit www.MCCTheater.org.

Julianna Margulies and Benjamin Bratt star together in MCC's Intrigue with Faye.
photo by Dixie Sheridan