The Old Friends: Betty Buckley to star

Tony Award winner Betty Buckley (Cats), and Tony nominees Hallie Foote (Dividing the Estate) and Lois Smith (Buried Child) will star in the Signature Theatre Company's world premiere of Horton Foote's The Old Friends, directed by Michael Wilson.

The Old Friends will open at the Signature Center's Irene Diamond Stage on 12 Sep 2013, following previews from 20 Aug 2013, and run through to 29 Sep 2013.

The Old Friends replaces the previously announced Edward Albee'S 'Laying an Egg', which Signature remains committed to premiering in a future season.

Matriarch Mamie Borden and the remaining members of two longtime Texas farming families await a visit from Mamie's son Hugo and his wife Sybil. When Sybil arrives with alarming news, The Old Friends on opposing sides must confront the issues surrounding legacy, loyalty, and the meaning of happiness that have hounded them for generations.

Signature has a long history with Horton Foote, who was the theatre's fourth Playwright-in-Residence during its 1994-95 Season. Signature also produced the world premiere of 'The Last of the Thorntons' in its 2000-01 Season and 'The Trip to Bountiful,' featuring Lois Smith in an award-winning performance, in the 2005-06 Season.During the 2009-10 Season, Signature co-produced the world premiere of the three-part 'The Orphans' Home Cycle' with Hartford Stage, directed by Michael Wilson.

The current Broadway production of 'The Trip to Bountiful,' directed by Michael Wilson, was recently nominated for four Tony Awards, including Best Revival of a Play.