Theater News

Jesse Eisenberg's Happy Talk Completes World-Premiere Casting

Susan Sarandon leads the New Group production, opening off-Broadway this May.

Oscar winner Susan Sarandon will lead the cast of Happy Talk, a New Group world premiere by Jesse Eisenberg.
Oscar winner Susan Sarandon will lead the cast of Happy Talk, a New Group world premiere by Jesse Eisenberg.
(© David Gordon)

Complete casting has been announced for the New Group's world-premiere production of Jesse Eisenberg's Happy Talk, now running an additional two weeks through June 16 beyond its original June 2 closing date. Directed by Scott Elliott, previews begin April 30 ahead of a May 16 opening at the Pershing Square Signature Center.

Tedra Millan (Present Laughter), Daniel Oreskes (Oslo), and Nico Santos (Superstore) join the previously announced Marin Ireland (Sneaky Pete) and Oscar winner Susan Sarandon (Thelma & Louise) in the off-Broadway production.

The story is described as follows: "Lorraine (Sarandon) is a saint of the suburbs. On top of trying to save her dying mother, miserable husband and estranged daughter, she's starring as Bloody Mary in the Jewish Community Center production of South Pacific. When her mother's home aide, Serbian immigrant Ljuba (Ireland), asks for help finding a husband, Lorraine takes on her most challenging role to date: matchmaker. In Jesse Eisenberg's hysterical and devastating play, Happy Talk, he reveals the absurd lengths people go to save themselves in the name of saving others."

The creative team will feature scenic design by Derek McLane, costume design by Clint Ramos, lighting design by Jeff Croiter, and sound design by Rob Milburn and Michael Bodeen.