Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Justin Kirk to Join Julie White in The Understudy

Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Justin Kirk will join the previously announced Tony Award winner Julie White in the Roundabout Theatre Company’s New York premiere of The Understudy, written by Theresa Rebeck, and to be presented Off-Broadway at the Laura Pels Theatre at the Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre, beginning October 9, with an opening set for November 5. Scott Ellis will direct.

Rebeck’s play takes a look at one of the most notorious roles in the theatre: the understudy. The play had its world premiere in July 2008 at the Williamstown Theatre Festival, also directed by Ellis. The design team will include Alexander Dodge (sets), Tom Broecker (costumes), Kenneth Posner (lighting), and Obadiah Eaves (original music and sound).

Gosselaar is best known for his TV work, including Zach Morris on Saved by the Bell, Det. John Clark, Jr. on NYPD Blue, and his current role of Jerry Kellerman in Raising the Bar. Kirk received a Golden Globe nomination for Showtime’s Weeds, and starred as Prior Walter in the HBO adaptation of Angels in America. He received a Lucille Lortel Award for Ten Unknowns, and an Obie for Love! Valour! Compassion!. White won a Tony for The Little Dog Laughed, was Drama Desk-nominated for From Up Here, and most recently appeared in the Shakespeare in the Park production of Twelfth Night.

For more information, visit www.roundabouttheatre.org.