John Rubinstein Stars in Elmer Rice's Counsellor-at-Law, May 6

By Robert Simonson
12 Apr 2004

A scene from Counsellor-at-Law, with John Rubinstein
A scene from Counsellor-at-Law, with John Rubinstein
Photo by Kelly Miller

The Peccadillo Theater Company, which dusts off forgotten American plays as its mission, will present a new production of Elmer Rice's Counsellor-at-Law, May 6-30.

The show, directed by Dan Wackerman, will star seasoned Broadway and film actor John Rubinstein (Pippin, Children of a Lesser God, Ragtime).

The show is about cynical attorney George Simon's struggle to avoid disbarment. The Jewish Simon clawed his way out of the slums. Now, he's at the mercy of an anti-Semitic competitor who has a damaging piece of dirt on him.

The play was a considerable success for Rice and its star Paul Muni. It debuted in 1931 and ran for nearly a year. Muni returned to it three times: in 1932, 1933 and 1943. The 1933 film starred John Barrymore, who gave one of his most memorable screen performances.

Rubenstein has played the part before. He won the Drama-Logue and L. A. Drama Critics Circle Awards for his portrayal of George Simon.

The cast will also include Madeleine Martin ( who played the title role in last season's revival of A Day In The Death of Joe Egg), Madeleine's brother Joseph, Michael Berkowitz, Dennis Burke, Beth Glover, Nell Gwynn, James M. Larmer, David Lavine, Mark Light-Orr, Lanie MacEwan, Racheline Maltese, Sal Mistretta, Robert O'Gorman, Ginger Rich, Tara Sands, Letty Serra, Brian Taylor, and Ashley West.

For information, call (212) 868-4444.