A Body of Water: Primary Stages announces cast change

Primary Stages has announced a change in casting for the New York premiere of A Body of Water, written by Lee Blessing. Christine Lahti will assume the role of 'Avis,' and Michael Cristofer will assume the role of 'Moss.'

The previously announced Margaret Colin had conflicts with her 'Gossip Girl' schedule, and David Rasche replaced Craig Bierko in Manhattan Theatre Club's production of To Be or Not Be, departed the production prior to the beginning of rehearsal.

Under the direction of Maria Mileaf, the three-member cast also features the previously announced Laura Odeh.

A Body of Water marks Lahti�s first appearance on the New York stage since 1990 when she appeared on Broadway in 'The Heidi Chronicles,' and Cristofer last appeared off-Broadway when he starred as 'Charles Darwin' in Atlantic Theater's production of 'Trumpery'. Cristofer is the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning playwright of 'The Shadow Box,'.

As a result of the cast changes, A Body of Water will now run at 59E59's Theater A from 3 Oct - 16 Nov 2008, and not from 30 Sep - 9 Nov 2008 as originally scheduled. Opening night remains the 14 ct 2008.

A Body of Water is the story of Avis and Moss who awake one morning in a house set in the forested hills above a picturesque body of water. The weather�s great, the view�s magnificent. However, neither of them seems to know whose house this is or who they are. Will a stranger at their doorstep be able to help?

Lee Blessing is the author of such notable plays as the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize nominated 'A Walk in the Woods' (1988), and the Primary Stages Outer Critic's Circle Award winning production of 'Going to St. Ives,' directed by Maria Mileaf.

The creative team includes Neil Patel (sets), Candice Donnelly (costumes), Jeff Croiter (lighting) and Bart Fasbender (sound).

Primary Stages continues the 2008-2009 season with Shipwrecked! An Entertainment � The Amazing Adventures of Louis de Rougemont (As Told By Himself) by Donald Margulies (27 Jan - 7 Mar 2009) and concludes with the world premiere of a new comedy Chasing Manet by Tina Howe (24 Mar - 2 May 2009), featuring Tony Award-Winner Jane Alexander.