An Early History of Fire: Lily Rabe to star

Lily Rabe is to star in the New Group's World premiere of An Early History of Fire, written by her father David Rabe, and directed by Jo Bonney, opening at Theatre Row's Acorn Theater in Apr 2012.

David Rabe said, "A further excitement waits in the chance to collaborate with my daughter, Lily, for the first time. In a reading we did of the play, her embodiment of Karen brought clarity and heart to a difficult, complex person."

An Early History of Fire is set at the tipping point of the early 1960s. In a Midwestern town, Danny's world is defined by friendship and loyalty - but the bigger world is encroaching, in the form of Karen, back from college in the east, alluring and unsettling because of what she now knows. Still, Danny can't escape the grip of his immigrant father, who is mourning a vanished world of lost prestige and clinging to his only son.

An Early History of Fire marks David Rabe's return to The New Group, following the company's 2005 revival of 'Hurlyburly.'

Bio:

David Rabe's plays include 'Hurlyburly' (Tony nomination), 'Streamers' (Tony nomination), 'Boom Boom Room (Tony nomination)' and 'Sticks and Bones' (Tony Award) and 'The Basic Training of Pavlo Hummel.'

Lily Rabe is to star on Broadway in the upcoming production of Alan Rickman's Seminar. She earned a Tony Award nomination for her portrayal as 'Portia' in 'The Merchant of Venice.' She . She made her Broadway debut in 'Steel Magnolias,' also appearing in 'The American Plan' and 'Heartbreak House.' This summer she earned rave reviews for her starring performance as 'Nora' in 'A Dolls' House' at Williamstown. Her Film credits include "All Good Things" and "Letters from a Big Man" (official Sundance selection).

Jo Bonney's (direcor) many Off-Broadway credits include: 'subUrbia,' 'A Soldier's Play,' 'Living Out,' 'The Break of Noon,' 'Father Comes Home from the War,' 'Fever Chart,' 'Beast,' 'All that I Will Ever Be,' 'The Seven,' 'Fat Pig' (Lucille Lortel nomination), 'Some Girl(s), 'Fifth of July' (Lucille Lortel nomination) and 'Slanguage.'