Winther will play three roles in the production — Tim Carter, Rev. Jim Jones and Rev. John Moore — which will play the Minneapolis theatre Jan. 7-Feb. 5, 2006. Directed by the playwright, the cast will also include Will Badgett, Colman Domingo, Margo Hall, Mike Hartman, Lauren Klein, John McAdams, Novella Nelson, Greg Pierotti, Barbara Pitts, Kelli Simpkins and Regina Marie Williams. The People's Temple, according to press notes, is a "tale of faith, community and survival spanning 25 years, examining the roots, rise and tragic demise of the Reverend Jim Jones' Guyana settlement known as Jonestown. The play weaves together gospel music, archival materials and survivor interviews to create a conversation between the living and the dead."

On Broadway, Michael Winther has appeared in Mamma Mia!, 1776, The Crucible, Artist Descending a Staircase and Damn Yankees, while his Off-Broadway credits include Songs from an Unmade Bed, Hapgood, Berlin to Broadway, Forever Plaid, Predator's Ball and the original cast of Tony 'n' Tina's Wedding. Winther has worked at regional theatres throughout the country, and his film and TV credits include "Independence Day," "Universal Soldier," "Law & Order," "Mary & Rhoda," "NY News," "Rocket Power" and "Wild Thornberrys."

The Guthrie Theater is located in Minneapolis at 725 Vineland Place. Tickets, priced $15-$50, can be purchased by calling (612) 377-2224 or by visiting www.guthrietheater.org.

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The People's Temple replaces Alfred Uhry's previously announced The Kidnapping of Edgardo Mortara on the Guthrie Theater's winter schedule.