One of the surprise Off-Broadway hits of the season, Killer Joe which has trumpeted numerous stars throughout their nine month run, will finally close on June 13.
The move comes a little over a month after the show's last cast change on May 2, when producers added Seth Ullian (Stomp, "Trainspotting"), Lori Petty ("A League of Their Own," "Tank Girl") and "Dawson's Creek"'s Michelle Williams to the cast.
Past cast members have included: Amanda Plummer ("The Fisher King"), Scott Glenn ("The Silence of the Lambs"), Fairuza Balk ("Waterboy,""The Craft"), Jan Leslie Harding (I've Got the Shakes), and Paul Dillon ("Austin Powers").
Killer Joe made its Off-Broadway debut October 1998, with Scott Glenn and Amanda Plummer and is the story of a dysfunctional Texas trailer park family: son Chris, who needs quick cash to pay off a drug debt; his father Ansel who's in no position to help him; his manipulating step mother; and his innocent sister Dottie. Chris' real mother has stolen the only "assets" he has, leaving him only one way out, until Killer Joe enters the scene.
Dillon originated the title role of Killer Joe in Chicago and came into the New York production when Glenn's contract ran out. Wilson Milam helmed the piece, with Greg MacPherson on lights, George Xenos (set) and Jana Stauffer (costumes). David Brimmer served as fight choreographer. Killer Joe premiered at the Lab space of Evanston, IL's Next Theatre in 1993. Letts' play was staged in New York in 1994 by 29th Street Repertory.
For tickets ($37.50-$47.50) or more information on Killer Joe in an open run at the Soho Playhouse on Vandam Street, call (212) 239-6200.
-- By Sean McGrath
