Long Wharf Theatre's revival of John Guare's Bosoms and Neglect has been postponed to 1998-99, but that's okay with both the playwright and the playhouse, since his play is making room for an international exchange between Long Wharf and London's Bush Theatre.
David Rabe's A Question of Mercy, directed by artistic director Douglas Hughes finishes its run at Long Wharf March 15 (after starting previews Feb. 13 and opening Feb. 18) and then travels to London, April 22-May 23. In trade, Joe Penhall's Love and Understanding travels from the Bush Theatre to Long Wharf March 13-April 12.
Mercy looks at a doctor troubled by an AIDS victim's request for help in committing suicide. A Pulitzer contender, the drama premiered at New York Theatre Workshop last season.
Love looks at a wealthy and happy young couple confronted by a stranger who lives moment to moment searching for instant gratification. Bush Theatre artistic director Mike Bradwell premiered the show in the UK April 1997. Other plays by author Penhall, 29, include Pale Horse, Some Voices and The Bullet, set to open at the Donmar Warehouse in April.
Starring in Love and Understanding are Paul Bettany, Celia Robertson and Nicolas Tennant. Designing the show are Es Devlin (sets & costumes), Rick Fisher (lighting) and Simon Whitehorn (sound). Mercy are Richard Bekins, Seth Gilliam, Babo Harrison (The Batting Cage), Michael Boland, David Chandler, Blaise Michael Lamphier and Michael Kell. Designing the show are Neil Patel (sets), Jess Goldstein (costumes), Michael Chybowski (lighting) and David Van Tieghem (sound).
Founded in 1972 above the Bush Pub, the Bush Theatre has produced such playwrights as Snoo Wilson, Sebastian Barry and Tony Kushner.
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Once Love settles in at the Long Wharf, the company will end its 1997-98 season with Blithe Spirit. Noel Coward's frothy comedy concerns a seance which brings Charles' first wife into contact with his still-living second. John Tillinger, former literary consultant for the theatre (1975-97) directs, Mar. 27-May 3.
Opening Apr. 1, Blithe Spirit stars Maggie Welsh (Elvira), Sarah Peterson, Pamela Payton-Wright, Seana Kofoed, Michel Gill, Tim Donoghue and Jayne Atkinson (How I Learned To Drive, Ivanov). Designing the show are Michael Yeargan (sets), Jess Goldstein (costumes) and Don Holder (lighting). Other Coward plays include Hay Fever and Private Lives.
For information on Love and Understanding and other works at the Long Wharf in New Haven, call (203) 787-4284.
-- By David Lefkowitz and Terri Paddock
