Regional NewsKristine Nielsen, Robert Sella, John Pankow Star in Christopher Durang’s Turning Off the Morning NewsThe world premiere begins performances at the McCarter Theatre Center May 4.
By
Andrew Gans
May 04, 2018
McCarter Theatre Center's world premiere of
Christopher Durang’s Turning Off the Morning News begins performances at the New Jersey venue May 4.
Directed by McCarter Artistic Director Emily Mann, opening night is scheduled for May 12 in the Berlind Theatre. Performances continue through June 3.
The cast includes Jenn Harris (All In the Timing) as Rosalind, Rachel Nicks
(Skeleton Crew at The Old Globe) as Salena, Tony nominee Kristine Nielsen (Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, Present Laughter) as Polly, Nicholas Podany as Timmy, John Pankow (Mad About You) as Jimmy, and Robert Sella (My Fair
Lady, Cabaret) as Clifford.
Turning Off the Morning News introduces Durang’s newest group of eccentric characters: Happily
living a “normal” suburban life, things are good for Cliff and Salena. Their neighbors across the
street, however, are peculiar at best—and at worst, stark-raving mad.
In a statement, director
Mann said, “At its heart, Turning Off the Morning News explores the absurdity of our modern
world. A fierce exposure of the ways that our personal and societal anxieties can bring out the
worst in us, it also gently reveals the antidote—reaching out beyond ourselves to find connection with others.”
The production also has set and projections design by Tony winner Beowulf Boritt, lighting design by Tony winner Jeff Croiter, costume design by Obie Award winner Jennifer von Mayrhauser, and original music and sound by Obie winner Mark Bennett.
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Sigourney Weaver, David Hyde Pierce and Kristine Nielsen Star in Durang's Vanya and Sonia