Hunting and Gathering at 59E59's Theater A

Primary Stages, in association with Daryl Roth and True Love Productions, has announced casting for the third production of their 2007-2008 season, the world premiere of the play Hunting and Gathering by Brooke Berman, directed by Leigh Silverman.

The 4-member cast features Michael Chernus as Astor, Mamie Gummer as Bess, Keira Naughton as Ruth and Jeremy Shamos as Jesse.

Hunting and Gathering follows four interconnected New Yorkers through their thwarted attempts to find their place � without compromise. Jesse has his first date since his divorce, his ex-lover Ruth is living a fantasy, his brother Astor is the �man with the van,� and Bess has a plan to come out on top. Ms. Berman�s contemporary play begs the question: Do you have to be a predator to survive?

�We are thrilled to begin the new year with the world premiere of this exciting new play by Brooke Berman that incorporates original music by some of New York�s up-and-coming rock bands,� said Andrew Leynse, Primary Stages Artistic Director. He added, �Working with Brooke on this project truly represents the mission of our company: producing new works and nurturing the development of playwrights.�

The creative team includes David Korins (Sets), Miranda Hoffman (Costumes), Ben Stanton (Lights) and Robert Kaplowitz (Sound).