Directed by Peter DuBois, the cast features Yusef Bulos (Bill), Jonathan Louis Dent (Vin), Santino Fontana (Joseph), Joanna Gleason (Gloria), Lizbeth Mackay (Mrs. McAndrew), Dee Nelson (Dr. Manor), Chris Perfetti (Charles) and Charles Socarides (Timothy).
"If to live is to suffer, then Joseph Douaihy (Fontana) is more alive than most," according to Roundabout notes. "With unexplained chronic pain and the fate of his reeling family on his shoulders, Joseph's health, sanity, and insurance premium are on the line. In an age when modern medicine has a cure for just about everything, Sons of the Prophet is a refreshingly honest take on how we cope with wounds that just won't heal, and the funniest play about human suffering you're likely to see."
Karam's play was commissioned by Roundabout Theatre Company following his hugely acclaimed New York debut as the author of Speech & Debate in 2007 in the Roundabout Underground series. The earlier title went on to become one of the most-produced titles in American regional and college theatre. Sons of the Prophet premiered in Boston in a production by Huntington Theatre Company. Tony Award winner Gleason also starred there.
In Sons of the Prophet, Gleason plays a Manhattan book editor who believes she's found her career-saving book in the story of a Lebanese family in Pennsylvania beset with tragedies. Read the recent Playbill magazine feature about Gleason's attraction to the play.
"She's never exactly sober, and not just with alcohol," Gleason said of her character. "She has a substance abuse problem, brought on by her own inability to cope with the tragedies in her life. There is a connection [between her character and the family]. There's bonding. She reaches out in her desperately needy state for more than that. You can't tell if it's mercenary or emotional at times." The design team includes Anna Louizos (sets), Bobby Frederick Tilley, II (costumes), Japhy Weideman (lights) and M.L. Dogg (sound).
Performances will continue through Dec. 23.
The Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre/Laura Pels Theatre is located at 111 West 46th Street. Tickets are available by calling Roundabout Ticket Services at (212) 719-1300, online at www.roundabouttheatre.org or at the Laura Pels box office.
