The Old Friends: complete cast announced

The Signature Theatre Company have announced the complete cast for their world premiere of Horton Foote's The Old Friends, opening at the Signature Center's Irene Diamond Stage on 12 Sep 2013, following previews from 20 Aug 2013, and running through to 29 Sep 2013.

As previously announced the show will star Tony Award winner Betty Buckley (Cats) as 'Gertrude Hayhurst Sylvester Ratliff', and Tony nominees Hallie Foote (Dividing the Estate) as 'Sibyl Borden' and Lois Smith (Buried Child) as 'Mamie Borden.'

Joining them will be Tony Award-nominee Veanne Cox (Company) as 'Julia Price,' Adam LeFevre (Priscilla Queen of the Desert) as 'Albert Price,' Sean Lyons (Gore Vidal's The Best Man) as 'Tom Underwood,' Novella Nelson (Having Our Say) as 'Hattie,' Melle Powers ("Chappelle's Show") as 'Catherine' and Cotter Smith (Next Fall) as 'Howard Ratliff.'

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.

The design team includes Jeff Cowie (Scenic Design), David C. Woolard (Costume Design), Rui Rita (Lighting Design) and John Gromada (Sound Design).

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.

Michael Wilson directs the Broadway revival of Horton Foote's The Trip to Bountiful, starring Cicely Tyson in her Tony Award-winning role as 'Carrie Watts', playing at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre until 09 Oct 2013