Abingdon's Beyond Recognition, a Tale of Brutality, Ends Earlier Than Expected | Playbill

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News Abingdon's Beyond Recognition, a Tale of Brutality, Ends Earlier Than Expected Abingdon Theatre Company's Off-Broadway run of Beyond Recognition, about the aftermath of a brutal beating in Central Park, will close Nov. 9, instead of the originally announced Nov. 23, due to scheduling conflicts.

The remainder of Abingdon's season will be unaffected. Next up is the Stage II production of Texas Homos by artistic director Jan Buttram, followed by the production of Ann Noble's The Pagans in the June Havoc Theatre.

Abingdon's mainstage on 36th Street was renamed the June Havoc on Nov. 3. Actress-writer Havoc could not attend due to illness, but Julie Harris cut the ribbon and stars attended the gala.

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The world premiere of Beyond Recognition, by journalist John Petrick, was the first mainstage production of the 2003-2004 Abingdon season. Performances began Oct. 17, prior to an official opening Oct. 23.

Kate Bushmann, who directed Petrick's Appearance of Impropriety, stages Beyond Recognition, which "follows the journey of a therapist as he suddenly recalls the circumstances of his brutal and notorious Central Park beating. Though New Yorkers and his lover cheer on his miraculous survival, the memory of the violent event now threatens everything — including his own sense of self." The cast includes Chris Burns (Stones in His Pockets, opposite Bronson Pinchot, in London and on U.S. tour), Michael Goduti, David Valcin and Grant James Varjas.

The Abingdon Theatre Arts Complex, which includes the Havoc and the studio space, is at 312 W. 36th Street, first floor. Tickets range $19-$40.

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The 11th season of Off-Broadway's Abingdon Theatre Company includes a world premiere and a New York premiere.

The not-for-profit troupe, run by artistic directors Jan Buttram and Pamela Paul and managing director Samuel J. Bellinger, will present five new plays in 2003-04, including the New York premiere of Ann Noble's award winning The Pagans.

On Stage II, expect Margaret Hunt's The Maginot Line and artistic director Jan Buttram's Texas Homos, and a developing play to be announced.

The season at a glance:

  • The Pagans by Ann Noble, directed by Stephen Hollis (June Havoc Theatre Feb. 27-April 4, 2004). "The eldest son's return to County Clare, Ireland, with his sleek American wife throws the Riordan family into turmoil. Resentments and rivalries surface." Winner of Chicago's Jefferson Award for New Work, Ann Noble "tackles faith, loyalty and trust with a strong sense of humor, introducing us to eight colorful, headstrong personalities."
  • The Maginot Line by Margaret Hunt (Stage II Sept. 19-28). "Join an aristocratic lawyer, her pregnant daughter, a flamboyant caterer and a crime reporter for Christmas Eve gone awry in Albany, New York. When police find Mack McGrath's partner mysteriously dead in a local hotel, the search for her killer unwraps more than the usual holiday surprises — one sexy detective, pounds of panettone and years of betrayal."
  • Texas Homos by Jan Buttram (Stage II Jan. 23- Feb. 1, 2004). From the award-winning writer of The Parker Family Circus. "In the hilarious aftermath of a police sting operation in a public restroom, three men face the music as the morning paper announces their arrests. A prominent doctor, a Methodist preacher and a young wannabe-superstar dispute the true details of their encounters as their lawyer prepares for Monday's arraignment."
  • A new play to be announced (Stage II May 14-23, 2004). "For a third season, Abingdon and the Witter Bynner Foundation for Poetry team up to offer one of New York's emerging playwrights the opportunity to develop a new American play. Past shows include John Yearley's Bruno Hauptmann Kissed My Forehead and Ryan Michael Teller's Sucker Fish Messiah. *

    Founded in 1993, New York City's Abingdon Theatre Company develops and produces new plays by American writers. For more information, visit www.abingdon nyc.org.

    For tickets and information, call (212) 868-4444.

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