MTC announces cast of Linda at New York City Center

Manhattan Theatre Club has now announced casting and a new opening night for the U.S. premiere of Penelope Skinner's new play Linda, which will be helmed by MTC Artistic Director Lynne Meadow and will begin previews at New York City Center - Stage I on 3 February 2017. An official opening is now scheduled for on 28 February (instead of 23 February) ahead of a limited engagement through to 2 April 2017.

The cast of Linda will include two-time Olivier Award winner Janie Dee (Linda), alongside Meghann Fahy (Stevie), Molly Griggs (Amy), Jennifer Ikeda (Alice), Maurice Jones (Luke), Donald Sage Mackay (Neil), Molly Ranson (Bridget) and John C. Vennema (Dave).

Synopsis: "Linda Wilde has it all. She's an award-winning senior executive as well as a busy wife and mother. But when she pitches a revolutionary concept that could change the way the world looks at women of a certain age, she finds herself fighting for her own relevance as every part of her carefully considered life starts to show cracks. MTC is proud to present this timely, moving, and fiercely funny new play."

The creative team behind Linda has also been announced and features scenic design by Walt Spangler, costume design by Jennifer Von Mayrhauser, lighting design by Jason Lyons, sound design by Fitz Patton, and dialect coaching by Ben Furey.

Playwright Penelope Skinner was previously represented off-Broadway with the MCC Theater production of The Village Bike at the Lucille Lortel Theatre in 2014, as well as this season's MTC production of The Ruins of Civilization at New York City Center's Studio at Stage II.

Janie Dee previously appeared on the New York stage in MTC's 'Comic Potential.' Selected West End credits include 'Hand To God,' 'The Seagull' (Open Air Theatre), 'Ah, Wilderness!,' 'Blithe Spirit,' and 'NSFW.' On screen she has appeared in "Dare To Be Wild," "Crashing," "Celebration," "Death In Holy Orders," "The Murder Room," and "Me And Orson Welles," among others.

Linda previously completed a limited engagement at London's Royal Court Theatre, which ran from 26 November 2015 through to 9 January 2016. The London production starred Noma Dumezweni, who had to take over the role last minute from Kim Cattrall. Ms Dumezweni is currently starring as Hermione in the West End premiere of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

- by Tom Millward