The previously-announced Tim Blake Nelson ("O, Brother, Where Art Thou?") withdrew from the production to be replaced by Teagle F. Bougere (The Tempest).A Shakespearean tragicomedy, The Winter's Tale mixes laughs and pathos into the story of jealous Leontes and his unreasonable disbelief of his wife's innocence. While their daughter Perdita is lost — and then found — in a magical foreign land, filled with dancing shepherds, a singing trickster (Bougere) and a very hungry bear, the king learns to overcome his powerful distrust and love again. Michel Gill (Naked, Othello) is Leontes' good friend, Polixenes, who is accused of having an adulterous relationship with Hermione. Mary Lou Rosato (The Misanthrope) is the faithful servant Paulina. Also in the cast are Tom Bloom (Antigonus/Old Shepherd), David Costabile (Clown), Angel Desai (Emilia/Dorcas), Mark H. Dold (Cleomenes), Gene Farber (Florizel), Andrew Guilarte (Dion), Larry Paulsen (Camillo), Elizabeth Reaser (Perdita), Michael Reid (Mamillius), Elizabeth Sherman (Mopsa) and Joaquin Torres (Jailer).
Classic Stage Company artistic director Barry Edelstein (The Underpants) directs. Contemporary classical composer Michael Torke ("Central Park Trilogy" with A.R. Gurney) will compose original music for the production.
Single tickets are $35-$50 with a half price discount for CSC members. Membership costs $30. Classic Stage Company is located at 136 East 13th St. and on the web at http://www.classicstage.com.