The Columnist extends run for a second time

Manhattan's Theatre Club's world premiere production of David Auburn's The Columnist has extended its run for a second time, and will now play through to 1 Jul 2012.

The Columnist opened at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre on 25 Apr 2012, following previews from 4 Apr 2012, and was originally scheduled to close on 17 Jun 2012.

The play opened to mixed reviews: Disappointingly soggy drama (NY Daily News); Crackling entertainment (Back Stage); Lithgow's performance makes the columnist fascinating, but not that compelling (Record).

The Columnist: Columnists are kings in midcentury America and Joseph Alsop (John Lithgow) wears the crown. Joe is beloved, feared and courted in equal measure by the Washington political world at whose center he sits. But as the '60s dawn and America undergoes dizzying change, the intense political drama Joe is embroiled in becomes deeply personal as well.

Directed by Daniel Sullivan, The Columnist features John Lithgow (Joseph Alsop), who was recently nominated for a Tony for his performance. He is joined by Margaret Colin (Susan Alsop), Boyd Gaines (Stewart Alsop), Stephen Kunken (Halberstam), Grace Gummer (Abigail), Marc Bonan (Philip) and Brian J. Smith (Andrei).

The creative team for The Columnist includes John Lee Beatty (scenic design), Jess Goldstein (costume design), Kenneth Posner (lighting design) and John Gromada (original music, sound design).