Theater News

David Rasche Replaces Craig Bierko in MTC’s To Be Or Not To Be

David Rasche (© Joseph Marzullo/Retna)
David Rasche
(© Joseph Marzullo/Retna)

David Rasche will now play the role of Josef Tura in the upcoming world premiere comedy To Be Or Not To Be, written by Nick Whitby, based on the film of the same name, to play Manhattan Theater Club’s Biltmore Theatre (soon to be renamed the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre), beginning September 11, with an opening on October 2. He replaces Craig Bierko, who has withdrawn from the production, which is directed by Casey Nicholaw.

The black comedy is set in 1939 Warsaw, and involves a theatrical troupe run by married couple Josef and Maria Tura, who end up facing desperate times, and are recruited to help catch a spy by a handsome young fighter pilot.

The cast will also feature Peter Benson, Robert Dorfman, Steve Kazee, Peter Maloney, Jan Maxwell, Michael McCarty, Kristine Nielsen, Brandon Perler, Rocco Sisto, Jimmy Smagula, and Marina Squerciati. The creative team will feature Anna Louizos (sets), Gregg Barnes (costumes), Howell Binkley (lighting), Darron L. West (sound), and Wendall and Zak (projections).

Rasche previously appeared in MTC’s productions of Regrets Only, Moonlight and Magnolias, Five By Tenn, and Last Dance. He received the 2008 Richard Seff Award for his recent appearance in CSC’s The Seagull, and will be seen this fall in the Coen Brothers’ newest film Burn After Reading.

Nicholaw directed and choreographed The Drowsy Chaperone and did the choreography for Monty Python’s Spamalot, all of which earned him Tony Award nominations.

For more information, visit www.ManhattanTheatreClub.com.

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To Be Or Not to Be

Closed: November 16, 2008