Occupant: extends by one week, now playing through to 6 Jul

The Signature Theatre Company announced today that their world premiere production of Edward Albee's, Occupant starring Tony and Academy Award-winning actress Mercedes Ruehl and two-time Emmy winner and Tony nominee Larry Bryggman sold out its initial 8-week run in three days, one month before performances are scheduled to begin. Directed by Pam MacKinnon, the limited engagement has been extended by popular demand one week from Sun 29 Jun 2008 to Sun 6 Jul 2008.

Edward Albee's, Occupant, currently in rehearsals, begins performances on 6 May 2008, and open on 5 Jun at The Peter Norton Space.

Occupant: A portrait of acclaimed sculptor Louise Nevelson (Mercedes Ruehl) and a quest to capture a charismatic and complex artist and persona. What is the relationship between creator and creation? Who was Louise Nevelson? Only she knew.

The creative team comprises Christine Jones (sets), Jane Greenwood (costumes) and David Lander (sets).

Occupant is the final production of Signature Theatre Company's 2007-2008 season. The play is part of the company's Premiere Series, which presents new work by former Playwrights-in-Residence.

Larry Bryggman has received two Tony Award Nominations for his work in the Broadway productions of 'Proof' (2000) and 'Picnic' (1994 revival). Off-Broadway credits include 'King Lear,' 'Romance,' 'The Cherry Orchard,' 'As You Like It,' 'Henry IV' (Parts I and II), 'Macbeth,' 'Prelude' and 'Liebstod and Coriolanus.' Bryggman has won two Best Actor Emmy�s for his role of John Dixon in the TV series �As the World Turns.�

Mercedes Ruehl last appeared on the New York stage when she played 'Stevie' in the Broadway production of Edward Albee�s 'The Goat, or Who is Sylvia?' (2002), for which she was nominated for a Tony Award. Ruehl was nominated for a Tony for her performance in 'Shadow Box' (1994 revival), and won the 1991 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for her portrayal of 'Bella' in 'Lost in Yonkers' (1991). She won an academy award in 1992 for her role in the movie 'The Fisher King.'

Edward Albee's many plays include 'Who�s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?' (1961-62, Tony Award), 'A Delicate Balance' (1966, Pulitzer Prize; 1996, Tony Award), 'Seascape' (1974, Pulitzer Prize), 'Three Tall Women' (1991, Pulitzer Prize), 'The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia?' (2000, 2002 Tony Award). Albee was awarded a special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2005.