Blythe Danner

Blythe Danner

 

David Rasche

David Rasche

 

Kate Jennings Grant

Kate Jennings Grant


by: Brian Scott Lipton

 

Strange things can happen when family and friends converge in the country, as we’ve seen in such great works as Anton Chekhov’s “Uncle Vanya” and Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler’s “A Little Night Music.” Now, Pulitzer Prize winner Donald Margulies (“Dinner With Friends”) is tackling this scenario with his new play, “The Country House,” which will premiere at Manhattan Theatre Club’s Samuel Friedman Theatre on September 9, with an official opening on October 2.

Eric Lange

Eric Lange

Sarah Steele

Sarah Steele

Daniel Sunjata

Daniel Sunjata

 

 

 

 

 

 

In this case, the country house is in Williamstown, Massachusetts, home of the famed Williamstown Theatre Festival, which belongs to famed actress Anna Patterson (played by Tony and Emmy Award winner Blythe Danner), and the occupants include her son (Eric Lange), former son-in-law (David Rasche), his new girlfriend (Kate Jennings Grant), her granddaughter (Sarah Steele), and a handsome TV star (Daniel Sunjata).

On August 20, Theater Pizzazz spoke to Margulies and the cast about the play, working with director Daniel Sullivan, and how their parts reflect their real lives.

Previews begin Sept. 9th with official opening Oct. 2nd at MTC’s Samuel J. Friedman theatre, 261 W. 47th St. NYC  www.manhattantheatreclub.com

Interviews: Brian Scott Lipton

Video: Sandi Durell