Jennifer Jason Leigh Set to Star in Abigail’s Party

Jennifer Jason Leigh will star in Mike Leigh’s drama Abigail’s Party to kick of the 2005-2006 season of The New Group. Scott Elliott, the company’s artistic director, will helm the play about a group of Londoners in the 1970s. Performances are expected to begin in November.

The New Group’s season will continue in February 2006 with the world premiere of The Music Teacher, a “play/opera” written by Wallace Shawn with music by his brother, Allen Shawn. (Wallace Shawn is currently appearing in the New Group production of Hurlyburly.)

Jennifer Jason Leigh has starred on Broadway as Sally Bowles in Cabaret and as Catherine in Proof. Her film credits include Single White Female, Last Exit to Brooklyn, and Georgia.

Mike Leigh’s plays Ecstasy, Smelling a Rat, and Goose Pimples were all previously presented by The New Group; a highly respected film director and screenwriter, Leigh’s film credits include Vera Drake, Topsy-Turvy, and Secrets and Lies.