Chasing Manet Primary Stages announces complete cast

Primary Stages has announced complete casting for the final production of the 2008-2009 Season: the world premiere of the comedy Chasing Manet by Tina Howe.

Michael Wilson (Dividing the Estate) returns to Primary Stages to direct the seven member cast stars Tony Award-winner Jane Alexander as Catherine, and also features Vanessa Aspillaga, Lynn Cohen as Rennie, Jack Gilpin, Julie Halston, David Margulies and Robert Christopher Riley.

Chasing Manet: A rebellious painter from a distinguished family in Boston and an ebullient Jewish woman with a huge adoring family form an unlikely bond. Inside the confining walls of Mount Airy Nursing Home, the two plot an escape to Paris aboard the QE2. But can they possibly pull it off amidst the chaos of their surroundings?

Tony Award-nominated playwright Tina Howe is best known for 'Coastal Disturbances' and 'Painting Churches.' This world premiere of Chasing Manet marks her first collaboration with Primary Stages.

Casey Childs, Executive Producer at Primary Stages said, "I am thrilled to have Tina Howe join our growing roster of illustrious playwrights.� Andrew Leynse, Artistic Director, added, "we are delighted to have Michael Wilson return to Primary Stages following the success of the critically acclaimed production of Dividing the Estate that recently ended on Broadway after receiving its New York premiere at Primary Stages.�

The creative team includes Tony Straiges (Sets), David C. Wollard (Costumes), Howell Binkley (Lighting), and John Gromada (Sound).