The New Group's American premiere of Mike Leigh's Two Thousand Years, featuring Natasha Lyonne, begins performances Off-Broadway Jan. 15.
Artistic director Scott Elliott stages the Leigh work, which is scheduled to officially open Feb. 7 at Theatre Row's Acorn Theatre for a run through March 8.
Two Thousand Years, according to press notes, centers on "an assimilated Jewish family [whose] quiet life in suburban London gets turned upside down when their son becomes seriously devout."
Lyonne is featured in an ensemble that also includes Yuval Boim, David Cale (Floyd and Clea), Laura Esterman (Marvin's Room, Terrorism), Jordan Gelber (Avenue Q), Merwin Goldsmith (Me and My Girl), Cindy Katz (Well) and Richard Masur (Democracy).
Known for her film work in "Slums of Beverly Hills," "American Pie," and "But I'm a Cheerleader," Lyonne also co-starred in Charles Busch's "Die Mommie Die." Other credits include "Goyband," "Party Monster," "Kate & Leopold," "Detroit Rock City" and "Pee-Wee's Playhouse."
The design team includes Derek McLane (set), Mimi O'Donnell (costume), Jason Lyons (lighting) and Ken Travis (sound). The production also features original music by the band The Klezmatics ("Wonder Wheel" - 2006 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary World Music Album).
Director Elliott continues his collaboration with the work of playwright Leigh following his New Group stagings of Abigail's Party, Smelling a Rat, Goose-Pimples and Ecstasy. Two Thousand Years was previously seen in 2005 at London's National Theatre.
The New Group season launched with Ethan Hawke directing Paul Dano, Peter Dinklage, Josh Hamilton and Zoe Kazan in the world premiere of Jonathan Marc Sherman's Things We Want. The line-up continues with Mark Brokaw staging Kevin Elyot's Mouth to Mouth (May 2008).
Tickets to Two Thousand Years at Theatre Row, 410 West 42nd Street (between Ninth and Tenth Ave.), are available by calling (212) 279-4200. For more information visit thenewgroup.org.
