Catch 22: John Lavelle to star as 'Yossarian'

John Lavelle will star as 'Yossarian' in Aquila Theatre's production of Joseph Heller' Catch 22, adapted and directed by Peter Meineck, opening at the Lucille Lortel Theatre on 23 Nov 2008, following previews from 14 Nov and running through to 20 Dec 2008.

Lavelle made his Broadway debut in Nov 2002 when he assumed the role of 'Benjamin Braddock' in 'The Graduate.' He was last seen off-Broadway in 'The Merchant of Venice' at Duke on 42nd Street.

Catch 22: Yossarian is a bombardier on a B-25, based on a small island off the coast of Italy in 1944. He starts to question the futile and ridiculous administration of his air base and seeks a way to preserve his life when the whole world around him seems to be going mad.

Peter Meineck explains, "Yossarian is one of the most iconic and elusive roles in American literature. Paul Newman spent a year studying the role, never to play it, Richard Dreyfus signed on for a pilot that was never made. Jack Lemmon, Eli Wallach, Anthony Quinn and Ben Gazzara all lobbied for the role that famously went to Alan Arkin for the 1972 Mike Nichols film. Brooklyn born John Lavelle inherently understands Heller's biting, absurdist satire (Heller hailed from Coney Island) and will bring a new intensity, verve and clarity to Yossarian. As modern day Milo Minderbinder's play havoc with the stock market and contemporary Colonel Cathcart's place the lives of our troops at risk for political gain this is the right time for Catch-22 to be seen on stage. We are all greatly looking forward to seeing Yossarian live again."

Further casting and creative team to be announced.

For tickets and further information click here