Full casting has been announced for Edward Albee’s The American Dream and The Sandbox, an evening of one-acts to be directed by the playwright at the Cherry Lane Theater, March 11-April 19, with an opening set for March 25.
The American Dream tells a startling tale of murder and morality that rocks middle-class ethics to its complacent foundations. In The Sandbox, a middle-aged couple brings their grandmother to the beach one final time. Both works were originally produced at the Cherry Lane, in 1961 and 1962 respectively, and are part of the theater’s Mainstage Heritage Series.
In addition to the previously announced George Bartenieff (Daddy), Myra Carter (Grandma), and Judith Ivey (Mommy), the cast will feature Kathleen Butler (Mrs. Barker), Harmon Walsh (the American Dream), and Jesse Williams (the Angel of Death). As previously reported, F. Murray Abraham, who was originally set to star, has had to withdraw from the production.
Bartenieff’s New York credits include Stuff Happens, Unlikely Heroes, and Albee’s The Death of Bessie Smith. Carter won a Drama Desk Award for her role in Albee’s Three Tall Women, and additional credits include Garden District and Maybe Tuesday. Ivey is a two-time Tony Award recipient for her performances in Steaming and Hurlyburly, and was also Tony-nominated for Park Your Car in Harvard Yard.
Albee, who will turn 80 on March 12, is being celebrated by numerous theaters this season, including Second Stage’s recent production of Peter & Jerry, the McCarter Theatre’s world premiere of Me, Myself, and I, starring Tyne Daly and Brian Murray, and the Vineyard Theater’s annual gala, hosted by Daly and Bill Irwin, which will be held at the Rainbow Room, February 4.
Post-performance discussions with Albee will take place following the March 18 and April 8 performances. For more information, visit www.cherrylanetheatre.org.