Helmed by Hands on Hardbody director Neil Pepe, the new work is set to begin performances Feb. 24, 2016, playing through April 3. An official opening night is set for March 14.

The play centers on world-famous country and western star Strings McCrane, who begins to question the meaning of his life after his mother's death. In an attempt to abandon his fame and career, he moves back to his hometown in Tennessee. According to press notes, "It doesn't go well." Hold On To Me Darling "examines the costs of fame, fortune and narcissism in pursuit of the American Dream."

Cast and creative team will be announced shortly.

Hold On To Me Darling marks Lonergan's Atlantic Theater debut, following last season's Broadway revival of This is Our Youth. His other plays include the Pulitzer Prize finalist The Waverly Gallery, as well as Lobby Hero, The Starry Messenger and Medieval Play. He is also the writer and director of "You Cant Count on Me," which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Screenplay.

Performances will take place at Atlantic Theater Company’s Linda Gross Theater, located at 336 West 20th St. To purchase subscription packages visit AtlanticTheater. 

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Read more about the Atlantic's upcoming season here. Included in the slate is the world premiere of The Band's Visit, based on the critically acclaimed film of the same name and scheduled for spring 2016. The musical will feature a book by Itamar Moses, music and lyrics by Tony Award nominee David Yazbek (The Full Monty, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) and direction by 21-time Tony Award winner Harold Prince. A new musical by American Idiot composer Billie Joe Armstrong and a premiere play written and directed by Adam Rapp are also planned.