Still Life: MCC Theater's co-artistic director Robert LuPone joins cast on 24 Oct

MCC Theater has announced that Co-Artistic Director Robert LuPone will appear in the company's world premiere of Alexander Dinelaris' Still Life, directed by Will Frears for two performances only on 24 Oct 2009.

LuPone will appear as 'Theo,' the role usually played by fellow Sopranos' alumnus Dominic Chianese, stepping in for Chianese who has a previously scheduled engagement.

Robert LuPone began his career as a dancer. A graduate of Juilliard, he studied under Antony Tudor, Jose Limon and Martha Graham. As an actor, LuPone has performed on Broadway in 'A Thousand Clowns,' 'True West' and 'A View from the Bridge,' and he was nominated for a Tony for his role as 'Zach' in the original cast of 'A Chorus Line.' His numerous film and television appearances include recent parts in Comedy Central's new series "Stella," "Law & Order," "The Door In the Floor" and a recurring role as Dr. Cusamano in "The Sopranos."

Still Life features Dominic Chianese, Halley Feiffer, Ian Kahn, Adriane Lenox, Kelly McAndrew, Sarah Paulson, Matthew Rauch and Frederick Weller.

The drama opened at Lucille Lortel Theatre on 5 Oct 2009, following previews from 16 Sep and is playing through to 1 Nov 2009.

The play opened to mixed reviews reviews: "Sarah Paulson and Frederick Weller... throwing off hot sparks in the best new American play since 'Proof.'"
(Bloomberg);"Dinelaris' writing has passion, and Will Frears' strong staging makes it seem all the more potent" (New York Daily News); "a funny, earnest tearjerker" (Back Stage); "Just when you would expect the play to deliver an emotional sucker punch, it falls back on the ropes" (NY Times); "all that sound and fury about death and dying signifies nothing about life" (Variety).

Still Life: With her star on the rise, photographer Carrie Ann inexplicably shuts down at the pinnacle of her career. Lost, and afraid to even pick up a camera, her sudden descent is interrupted by a whirlwind romance with Jeff, a trend analyst who becomes determined to help her move on, even while facing his own dark future.

The creative team for Still Life includes David Cornis (Scenic Design), Sarah J. Holden (Costume Design), David Weiner (Lighting Design), Fitz Patton (Sound Design) and Michael Friedman (Original Music).