Christopher Shinn, the 27-year-old American writer whose plays have all world-premiered in London, will see his latest, What Didn't Happen, debut first in New York City at Playwrights Horizons, opening Dec. 10, with Chris Noth among the cast.
Michael Wilson (The Carpetbagger's Children, Necessary Targets) directs a company that includes Noth (Mr. Big in TV's "Sex and the City"), Matt McGrath (Cabaret, Hedwig and the Angry Inch), Steven Skybell (The Full Monty), Matt Cowell (making his Off-Broadway debut), Suzanne Cryer (Proposals), Robert Hogan (A Few Good Men) and Annalee Jefferies (Servicemen). Performances continue to Dec. 22.
In the play, Skybell plays Dave Ardith, an acclaimed author who confronts his demons (including facing a novel he has yet to finish) at a midsummer barbecue populated by his lover (Jefferies), literary adversary (Noth) and a sympathetic colleague (Hogan). Six years later, Dave's protégé Scott (McGrath) is living a parallel life, soul searching and plagued by unfulfilled aspirations. The work is billed as "a penetrating new play about mentors and students, and the drive to emulate those we admire, no matter what the cost."
Previews at The Duke on 42nd Street, a borrowed space until construction is finished on Playwrights Horizons' new digs, began Nov. 15 toward the Dec. 10 opening.
* Shinn's Four was seen at Manhattan Theatre Club in January 2002 after a summer 2001 run at the Tribeca Playhouse. Shinn's Other People was seen on the PH studio stage.
Designers are Jeff Cowie (scenic), David C. Woolard (costume), Howell Binkley (lighting) and John Gromada (sound).
Tickets are $50. Student Rush Tickets will be available for $15 (cash only, day of performance). The Duke on 42nd Street is at 229 W. 42nd Street. Performances play 8 PM Tuesdays-Fridays, 3 & 8 PM Saturdays and 3 & 7:30 PM Sundays. There is an additional performance Monday, Nov. 25 at 8 PM. For tickets, call (212) 239-6200, or visit the New Victory Theater, 209 W. 42nd Street, a few doors down from the Duke.
For more information, visit www.playwrightshorizons.com.
— By Kenneth Jones
