Atlantic announces cast of Skeleton Crew at Stage 2

The Atlantic Theater Company has announced full casting for its upcoming world premiere production of Skeleton Crew, written by Dominique Morisseau and directed by Ruben Santiago-Hudson, which will begin previews on 6 January 2016 at Atlantic Stage 2, before an official opening on 19 January and a limited run through to 14 February 2016.

The cast of Skeleton Crew includes Jason Dirden (Dez), Wendell B. Franklin (Reggie), Lynda Gravatt (Faye), Nikiya Mathis (Shanita) and Adesola Osakalumi (Choreographer/Performer).

Synopsis: "In this final installment of Dominique Morisseau's Detroit trilogy, a makeshift family of workers at the last exporting auto plant in the city navigate the possibility of foreclosure. Power dynamics shift, and they are pushed to the limits of survival. When the line between blue collar and white collar gets blurred, how far over the lines are they willing to step?"

The creative team has also been announced and features choreography by Adesola Osakalumi, scenic design by Michael Carnahan, costume design by Paul Tazewell, lighting design by Rui Rita, and original music and sound design by Rob Kaplowitz.

Following this production, Atlantic will also stage the New York premiere of The Purple Lights of Joppa Illinois, written and directed by Adam Rapp, which will run from May to June 2016.

Synopsis: "Ellis Shook lives alone in a small duplex apartment in Paducah, Kentucky. He works nights buffing floors, keeps to himself - and always remembers to take his medication. But when two teenage girls arrive at his doorstep one autumn afternoon, their visit will force him to confront a tragic past while also offering him a glimpse at hope."

These two production conclude the line-up to the Atlantic Theater Company's 30th Anniversary Season at Atlantic Stage 2.

- by Tom Millward