Joe Mantello directs the Off-Broadway production for Manhattan Theatre Club, at its home at New York City Center's Stage I.

According to MTC, "One of the most talked-about plays to come out of London in years, David Harrower's Blackbird will come to life at MTC in a thrilling new American production. This powerful, volatile piece begins when Una shows up unexpectedly at the office of Ray, forcing Ray to come to terms with the effects of their relationship. Una pulls Ray into an encounter that is gripping, surprising and utterly unforgettable."

Daniels is a Drama Desk nominee (for appearing in Off-Broadway plays in the 1980s) and a Golden Globe nominee (for the indie film "The Squid and The Whale") widely known for roles in the films "The Purple Rose of Cairo," "Dumb & Dumber," "Terms of Endearment," "Fly Away Home," "Gettysburg" and more. He appeared in Redwood Curtain, Fifth of July and The Golden Age on Broadway.

He also enjoys a career as a playwright. In his native Chelsea, MI, where he still maintains a home, he founded — and is executive director of — a hugely popular resident Equity theatre, The Purple Rose Theatre Company, which has produced many of his plays. His writing has been produced regionally and in Manhattan as well.

Alison Pill played a lovestruck Irish terrorist in Martin McDonagh's dark comedy The Lieutenant of Inishmore on Broadway in 2006, earning a Tony nomination as Best Featured Actress in a Play. Mantello is a two-time Tony Award winner whose directorial credits include Love! Valour! Compassion!, Wicked, The Odd Couple and Three Days of Rain.

Previews for Blackbird begin March 15 toward an opening of April 10.

For more information, visit www.ManhattanTheatreClub.com.

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MTC's current Off-Broadway staging is Regrets Only by Paul Rudnick, at New York City Center Stage I. On Broadway, at the Biltmore, MTC is presenting Brian Friel's Translations.