The "adult comedy about grown-ups as seen by kids," which made its debut at California's South Coast Repertory (April 25-May 16) earlier this year will likely play the May-Aug. slot at the nonprofit's company's home for new works.
Mr. Marmalade follows the lives of two children (as played by adults) who deal with adult issues. Neglected four-year-old Lucy creates an imaginary world where the titular busy businessman continually promises to spend more time with her until she finds friendship in five-year-old neighbor Larry, who is New Jersey’s youngest suicide survivor.
Ethan McSweeny (Gore Vidal's The Best Man) directed the SCR cast which included Guilford Adams, Larry Bates, Heidi Dippold, Glenn Fleshler, Eliza Pryor Nagel and Marc Vietor. The world premiere marked the first major production for the new playwright.
Haidle was a Lila Acheson Wallace playwright-in-residence at The Juilliard School in New York City and graduated from Princeton University in the spring of 2001. His Kitty Kitty Kitty played at the recent inaugural Summer Play Festival in New York City and the world premiere of his Rag and Bone will play at the Long Wharf Theatre's New American Voices (Jan. 26-March 6, 2005). He is also working on a commission from the New Jersesy's McCarter Theatre and a samurai movie.
On Broadway, director Mayer — who is also slated to revive Marsha Norman's 'night, Mother later this season — has directed An Almost Holy Picture, Uncle Vanya, The Lion in Winter, Side Man and A View From the Bridge (all Roundabout shows) as well as You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown and Triumph of Love. The Laura Pels is currently home to Stephen Dietz's Fiction through Sept. 12. Matthew Broderick (The Producers) will then star in a revival of Larry Shue's comedy The Foreigner at the space, Oct. 15, 2004-Jan. 2, 2005. The next work slated at the venue is the world premiere of Stephen Belber's For Reele. Roundabout spokespersons could not confirm the production or any details.
For more information about the Roundabout, visit www.roundabouttheatre.org .
