Keen Company: announces new season

Keen Company has announced the two plays to be presented for the company's 2013-2014 season. First up is The Film Society, written by Tony Awar winner Jon Robin Baitz ('Other Desert Cities'). This will be followed by Middle Of The Night, by Oscar Award winner Paddy Chayefsky ("Marty," "The Hospital" and "Network.") .

Keen's artistic director Jonathan Silverstein said,

After my first season as Artistic Director - and our record breaking 13th season - I am thrilled to announce Keen's 14th season. This year we will present the first revivals of early plays by two landmark American Playwrights distinctly attuned to the moral compasses of their day. These plays continue Keen's tradition of shining a light on those endeavoring to do their best in our complicated world.

The plays will be presented in the following season order:
Casting announcements and specific dates will be forthcoming.

The Film Society
By Jon Robin Baitz
Directed by Jonathan Silverstein
Cast: Euan Morton and Roberta Maxwell will lead a cast that will also include Gerry Bamman, David Barlow and Mandy Seigfried. Further casting to be announced.
Venue: Theatre Row's Clurman Theatre
Previews: 10 Sep 2013
Opens: 01 Oct 2013
Closes: 26 Oct 2013

Synopsis: Set in a South African school for boys in 1970, The Film Society chronicles the struggle of a young teacher to keep politics out of his extracurricular film club. After the school becomes embroiled in an Apartheid controversy, he must decide whether to support his activist colleague or side with the headmaster who can make or break his career.

Keen's artistic director Jonathan Silverstein said,

I am delighted to be working with Jon Robin Baitz on his first major NY revival. Mr. Baitz writes passionately and complexly about the foibles of modern morality, while at the same time presenting stories that are deeply moving.

Jon Robin Baitz said,

This is the first revival of any play of mine in New York, and it's fitting that it be the first play I had produced here, a quarter of a century ago. I'm honored and of course alarmed that they proposed putting The Film Society in their season, but plays are supposed to be seen, and acted, and lit, which sometimes is better than them sitting and getting Dusty On shelves, which is why I am so honored that this is happening. No matter how old the play, any time one is done in New York, its author should be a little scared. And I'm delighted to be scared. It's bracing.

Euan Morton was nominated for a Tony and Olivier Award for hos portrayal of 'George' in the musical 'Taboo.' His other Broadway credits include 'Cyrano de Bergerac' and 'Sondheim on Sondheim.' Roberta Mazwell's many Broadway credits include 'Summer and Smoke,' 'Our Town,' 'The Merchant' and 'Equus.'

Middle Of The Night
By Paddy Chayefsky
Directed by: Jonathan Silverstein
Cast: tba Venue: Theatre Row's Clurman Theater
Previews: 11 Feb 2014
Opens: 04 Mar 2014
Closes: tba

Synopsis: A comedy about a May-December romance in 1950's New York City. He is an older Jewish widower and she is a young gentile bride of another man. When they meet and fall in love, their relationship throws their disapproving families into a tizzy.

Keen's artistic director Jonathan Silverstein said,

Chayefsky's breadth and depth of work has always intrigued me and I am honored to reintroduce his work to New York audiences.

Dan Chayefsky, the playwright's son, said

I'm delighted that Middle Of The Night will be produced by Keen Company -- a warm, talented and dedicated group of artists, catalyzed with heart and wisdom by Jonathan Silverstein. It's also a great honor to have the play included in a lineup with the passionate and gifted Jon Robin Baitz. In short, I'm thrilled by the alchemy of Keen Company's 2013-14 season.