Casting is now set for Ensemble Studio Theatre and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation's world premiere of Michael Walek's new comedy Have You Met Jane Goodall and Her Mother?
Directed by Linsay Firman, performances will begin March 5 prior to an official opening March 13 at EST’s long-time home at 545 West 52nd Street. The limited engagement will continue through March 30.
The company will feature Brittany K. Allen, Jordan Donaldson, Kristin Griffith, Tommy Heleringer, and Rami Margron.
The comedy takes its cue from real events when the Tanzanian government allowed Jane Goodall to study chimpanzees under the condition that she brought a chaperone. Goodall invited her mother.
The world premiere will also feature scenic design by Tanya Orellana, costume design by Suzanne Chesney, lighting design by Reza Behjat, sound design by Kathy Ruvuna, props design by Thomas Jenkeleit, and puppet design by Lake Simons. Pamela Salling will be production stage manager, and Clarissa Mota will be assistant stage manager. Casting is by Calleri Jensen Davis.
“Since I joined Youngblood, Ensemble Studio Theatre has been my artistic home in New York City, and the Sloan Foundation has provided amazing support for this play. I am incredibly honored to have my New York City playwriting debut on the EST stage,” said playwright Walek in a statement.
The play was commissioned and developed through the EST/Sloan Project, which is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the partnership between EST and The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation this season.
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