Kathleen Chalfant to Be Part of Theatreworks/USA's 2006-2007 Season

By Andrew Gans
July 26, 2006

Kathleen Chalfant, who received a Tony Award nomination for her performance in Tony Kushner's Angels in America, will be part of the 2006-2007 season of Theatreworks/USA, the not-for-profit professional theatre for family audiences.

Chalfant will star as Miss Havisham in a world premiere stage adaptation of Charles Dickens' Great Expectations. Adapted by Bathsheba Doran and composer Michael Picton, the drama will begin previews at the Lucille Lortel Theatre Nov. 8 with an official opening scheduled for Nov. 16. The limited engagement will play through Dec. 3.

Henry and Mudge, an adaptation of Cynthia Rylant's picture books about a boy and his dog, will follow, playing Dec. 13, 2006-Jan. 21, 2007, with an official opening on Dec. 18. With book and lyrics by Kait Kerrigan and music by Brian Lowdermilk, the new musical will be directed by Peter Flynn and choreographed by Devanand Janki.

Theatreworks/USA's mainstage season will conclude with Anne of Green Gables, a new musical based on Lucy Maud Montgomery's classic novel. Gretchen Cryer (book and lyrics) and Nancy Ford (music), the team behind I'm Getting My Act Together and Taking it On the Road, have penned the musical version. The adventures of red-haired orphan Anne Shirley will begin previews March 21, open March 29 and play through May 6.

Twelve productions comprise the company's "Special Presentation Series," a roster of one-hour weekend arts presentations designed for children four and older. The schedule of performances follows.

Nov. 18: Goowin’s Balloowins in Snow White and the Eight Dwarfs
Nov. 19: Soh Daiko: Japanese Taiko Drums
Nov. 25-26: The Gizmo Guys
Dec. 2: Sound Stories: Storytelling in Classical Music
Dec. 17: Season's Greetings Magic Show
March 31, 2007: Alex, King of the Jesters
April 7: Birds & Butterflies (Stories and Songs with Chris & Frank)
April 14: Jim West in Aesop’s Fables
April 15: Jim West in Dinosaurs!
April 21: Bubblemania
April 22: Rebecca Frezza in Big Truck Music

The Lucille Lortel Theatre is located at 121 Christopher Street, between Bleecker and Hudson Streets. Tickets for all shows are $25 each and are available by calling (212) 279-4200 or by visiting www.ticketcentral.com.