The Cripple of Inishmaan extends its run by 4 weeks, now playing theough to 1 Mar

Academy Award winner and four-time Tony Award nominee Martin McDonagh�s play, The Cripple of Inishmaan, presented by Atlantic Theater and Druid, has extended its run by four weeks and will now play through to 1 Mar 2009.

The Cripple of Inishmaan, directed by Tony Award winner Garry Hynes, opened at the Linda Gross Theater on 21 Dec 2008, following previews from 9 Dec, and was originally scheduled to close on 1 Feb 2009.

The dark comedy opened to excellent reviews: "A subversive charmer." (NY Times); "Funny, brutal and satisfying fable." (NY Daily News); "Darkly hilarious and surprisingly moving comedy" (AP)

The Cripple of Inishmaan is set in 1934 on an island off the west coast of Ireland, Hollywood filmmaker Robert Flaherty arrives on the neighboring island of Inishmore to film his movie The Man of Aran and excitement ripples through the sleepy community of Inishmaan. For orphaned Billy Claven, who has been relentlessly scorned by the island�s inhabitants, the film represents an escape from the poverty of his existence. He vies for a part in the film, and to everyone�s surprise, it is the cripple who gets his chance.

The celebrated cast of The Cripple of Inishmaan transfers intact following a UK tour, and features Kerry Condon, Andrew Connolly, Laurence Kinlan, Dearbhla Molloy, Aaron Monaghan, Tony Award winner Marie Mullen (The Beauty Queen of Leenane), Patricia O�Connell, David Pearse and John C. Vennema.

The Cripple of Inishmaan revives the relationship between Atlantic Theater Company, Academy Award winner Martin McDonagh, Tony Award winning director Garry Hynes and the acclaimed Druid ensemble.

This production marks the third collaboration between Atlantic and McDonagh following the company�s critically acclaimed American premiere production of 'The Lieutenant Of Inishmore,' which transferred to Broadway and received five 2006 Tony Award nominations, including Best Play.

Atlantic and Druid previously collaborated on the world premiere of McDonagh�s 'The Beauty Queen of Leenane,' which transferred to Broadway and won four 1998 Tony Awards: Best Actress in a Play (Marie Mullen), Best Featured Actor in a Play, Best Featured Actress in a Play and Best Direction of a Play, as well as being nominated for Best Play.

Martin McDonagh�s other theater credits include 'The Leenane Trilogy' and 'The Pillowman,' which received six 2005 Tony Award nominations, including Best Play. His film credits include the short film 'Six Shooter' for which he won an Academy Award in 2006, and most recently the film 'In Bruges' starring Colin Farrell and Ralph Fiennes, which he also directed.

Garry Hynes returns to Atlantic, where she directed 'The Beauty Queen of Leenane,' prior to its Broadway transfer. In 1998, she earned the distinction of becoming the first woman to receive a Tony Award for direction. She is the recipient of a 2002 The Irish Times/ESB Irish Theatre Award for Best Director, and a 2005 Special Tribute Award for her contribution to Irish Theatre.

The design team features scenic and costume design by Francis O�Connor, lighting design by Davy Cunningham, sound design by John Leonard and original music composed by Colin Towns.

For tickets and further information click here.