Baranski, a two-time Tony winner who has spent much of her time in Hollywood in recent years, will star in Paul Rudnick's Regrets Only, a world premiere play directed by Christopher Ashley, Variety reported July 27. Previews at City Center Stage I begin Oct. 19.
Baranski recently starred in a Kennedy Center production of Mame which, for a time, was expected to come to New York.
Also cast in the play are Sian Phillips, George Grizzard, Jackie Hoffman, Diane Davis and David Rasche.
The play is billed as a comedy "of Manhattan manners, exploring the very latest topics in marriage and friendship. The setting: a Park Avenue penthouse. The players: a powerhouse attorney, his deliriously social wife and their closest friend, one of the world's most staggeringly successful fashion designers. Add a daughter's engagement, some major gowns, the President of the United States, and stir." Rudnick is the author of Jeffrey, The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told and I Hate Hamlet.
Jeff Daniels, a film star known for "The Hours," "The Squid and the Whale" and "The Purple Rose of Cairo," will headline Blackbird, an American premiere by David Harrower, to be directed by Joe Mantello. Previews at City Center Stage I begin March 15, 2007. Opening is April 10, 2007. The play's story "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," according to production notes.
Mark Linn-Baker will replace the previously announced Adam Arkin in Losing Louie, an American premiere of the play by Simon Mendes da Costa, directed by Jerry Zaks. Previews at the Biltmore begin Sept. 21. Opening is Oct. 12.
The show asks "How do our childhood memories affect our lives? How do the mistakes of one generation impact the next? And most importantly, why does love make us do such crazy things? This wise and witty new play explores these questions, as two generations of family members work things out in the same bedroom, fifty years apart." Also in the cast are Matthew Arkin and Michele Pawk.
The MTC season will also include Our Leading Lady, a world premiere by Charles Busch, directed by Lynne Meadow; and a new production of Clifford Odets' The Country Girl.
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