Cicely Tyson and Charles Brown will star in a premiere workshop production of Birdie Blue, the latest by Cheryl West (Jar the Floor). The two-hander is described as a "poignant family portrait." Marion McClinton, who made a success out of the Off-Broadway bow of Jar the Floor, will direct. Tyson began her theatre career in New York City more than four decades ago, starring in Moon on a Rainbow Shawl and The Blacks, but made her lasting mark on television in "The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman." She also starred in the films "Sounder" and "Fried Green Tomatoes." Brown was directed by McClinton on Broadway in King Hedley II, winning a Tony nomination for his work.

The production will play the Nikos Stage until July 21. The design will feature sets by David Gallo; costumes by Toni-Leslie James; lights by Scott Zielinski; and sound by Kurt Kellenberger.

—By Robert Simonson