There Will Be Two More Weeks of Two Thousand Years Off-Broadway

By Ernio Hernandez
February 20, 2008

The New Group has extended its Off-Broadway production of Mike Leigh's Two Thousand Years to March 22. Natasha Lyonne and Richard Masur star.

Artistic director Scott Elliott stages the American premiere of the work. Previews began Jan. 15 at Theatre Row's Acorn Theatre, and the show officially opened Feb. 7 for a run originally slated through March 8. Now, the company adds two more weeks of performances.

Set in suburban London (2004-2005), Two Thousand Years centers on "an assimilated Jewish family [whose] quiet life gets turned upside down when their son becomes seriously devout," according to press notes. The play was previously seen in 2005 at London's National Theatre.

Lyonne is featured as daughter Tammy opposite Laura Esterman (Marvin's Room, Terrorism) as matriarch Rachel and Masur (Democracy) as father Danny. Jordan Gelber (Avenue Q) plays the newly-religious son Josh who finds himself at odds with his grandfather, Merwin Goldsmith (Me and My Girl). David Cale (Floyd and Clea), Yuval Boim and Cindy Katz (Well) round out the ensemble.

Known for her film work in "Slums of Beverly Hills," "American Pie," and "But I'm a Cheerleader," Lyonne also co-starred in Charles Busch's "Die Mommie Die." Other credits include "Goyband," "Party Monster," "Kate & Leopold," "Detroit Rock City" and "Pee-Wee's Playhouse."

Tickets to Two Thousand Years at Theatre Row, 410 West 42nd Street (between Ninth and Tenth Ave.), are available by calling (212) 279-4200. For more information visit thenewgroup.org.