Director Daniel Sullivan (Proof) is slated to helm the work, March 17-May 30, 2004. The play will open April 8, 2004, at the new space in the Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre.
Roundabout's new off-Broadway home houses two theatre spaces — the 425-seat Laura Pels Theatre and a 75-seat Black Box Theatre. The Laura Pels will dedicate its programming to new plays by established writers while the Black Box will be used for more experimental works as well as workshops and readings.
The new complex at 111 West 46th Street — formerly known as the American Place Theatre — is named in honor of the Steinberg Charitable Trust, which played a key role in the renovation of the venue. The Laura Pels is in honor of the producer, philanthropist, long-term Roundabout board member and owner of Paris' Theatre de l'Atelier.
In the new drama Intimate Apparel, a much sought-after African-American seamstress — who sews elegant intimates for socialites and harlots alike — looks for love and respect in turn-of-the-20th-century Manhattan. The work was inspired by Nottage's grandmother who made lingerie in the same time period.
Playbill On-Line has learned Tony Award winner Viola Davis (King Hedley II) is in talks to play the lead. No casting has been announced as of yet. Intimate Apparel made its world premiere in a co-production between Baltimore's Center Stage and California's South Coast Repertory at both spaces.
New York native Nottage is the playwright of Crumbs from the Table of Joy, A Walk Through Time, Por'knockers, Poof!, Las Meninas and Mud, River, Stone — which was a finalist for the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize. Her work has been produced by Second Stage Theatre, The Vineyard Theatre and Playwrights Horizons as well as many regional stages including South Coast Rep, Yale Repertory Theatre, Alliance Theatre, Actors Theatre of Louisville, San Jose Rep and Steppenwolf.
Tickets to Intimate Apparel at the Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre, 111 West 46 St., will be available February 2004 by calling (212) 719-1300 or online at www.roundabouttheatre.org.
