Hughie, with Dennehy and Grifasi, Opens at Long Wharf Oct. 15

By Adam Hetrick
October 15, 2008

The Goodman Theatre production of Eugene O'Neill's Hughie, starring two-time Tony winner Brian Dennehy and Joe Grifasi, officially opens at the Long Wharf Theatre Oct. 15.

Goodman Theatre artistic director Robert Falls directs the production, which began previews Oct. 8 and has been extended through Nov. 16. Prior to its Long Wharf bow, Hughie played a limited run at the Stratford Shakespeare Theatre in Ontario, where it received critical praise.

In Hughie, press notes state, "Erie Smith [Dennehy], a small-time gambler, wanders home to a seedy New York hotel fresh from a grief-stricken bout of drinking: Hughie [Grifasi], night clerk and once-captive audience for Erie's tall tales, has died. Will Erie find in Hughie's replacement the affirmation and friendship he craves?"

Dennehy is a two-time Tony Award winner for his performances in Death of a Salesman and Long Day's Journey Into Night. He also recently appeared in the Public Theater staging of Richard Nelson's Conversations in Tusculum.

Designing the production are Tony winner Eugene Lee (set design), Rachel Anne Healy (costume design), John Culbert (lighting design) and Richard Woodbury (sound design).

Long Wharf will also present a symposium on the themes of O'Neill's work Nov. 2 at 3 PM.

For tickets visit longwharf.org.

The Long Wharf Theatre is located at 222 Sargent Drive in New Haven, CT.