"Although the definitive plans have not been finalized and no theatre [is] in place as of yet, a commercial transfer is still our hope for the production," the source stated. Producers Daryl Roth and Roy Gabay, Vineyard head Doug Aibel, director Mark Brokaw and Vogel are said to be "working diligently to get the resources and logistics in place" for the venture.
Reteaming Vogel with director Mark Brokaw (who helmed her 1998 Pulitzer Prize winning play How I Learned to Drive), the new work began previews Oct. 14, 2003 and extended its six-week engagement two more weeks prior to its Nov. 4, 2003 Off-Broadway opening.
Tony Award winner Randy Graff (A Class Act, the upcoming Fiddler on the Roof) starred in the Vogel drama which centers on a family whose car spins out of control on an icy road following a Christmas dinner gone awry. The New York premiere of the work opened the Vineyard season. John Carrafa (Urinetown) handled choreography.
The cast also included Enid Graham (Fortune's Fool, Honour), Mark Blum (The Graduate), Will McCormack (Mizlansky/Zilansky), Catherine Kellner (The Iceman Cometh) and Sean Palmer (Fosse).
The design team for The Long Christmas Ride Home features Neil Patel (scenic), Mark McCullough (lighting), Jess Goldstein (costume) and David Van Tieghem (sound) — who also provides original music.
The Long Christmas Ride Home received positive critical and audience response, selling out its 10-week run through Dec. 7. The Bunraku-inspired work was saved for posterity when it was filmed for the Lincoln Center Library.