The Whale: Playwright Horizons announces full cast

Cassie Beck, Reyna de Courcy, Shuler Hensley, Tasha Lawrence and Cory Michael Smith comprise the complete cast of the New York premiere of The Whale, a new play by Obie Award winner Samuel D. Hunter (A Bright New Boise).

Directed by Davis McCallum (A Bright New Boise, Queens Boulevard), previews will begin 12 Oct 2012 at Playwrights Horizons' Peter Jay Sharp Theater.

The Whale: On the outskirts of Mormon Country, Idaho, a six-hundred pound recluse hides away in his apartment eating himself to death. Desperate to reconnect with his long-estranged daughter, he reaches out to her, only to find a viciously sharp-tongued and wildly unhappy teen.

Bios:

Samuel D. Hunter's (Playwright) recent plays include 'A Bright New Boise' (2011 Obie Award for playwriting), 'The Whale' (The Denver Center), 'A Permanent Image' (commissioned and produced by Boise Contemporary Theater), 'Jack's Precious Moment' (Page 73 Productions), 'Five Genocides' (Clubbed Thumb), 'Norway' (Phoenix Theatre of Indianapolis; Boise Contemporary Theater) and 'I Am Montana' (Arcola Theatre, London; Mortar Theater, Chicago).

Davis McCallum (Director) recently directed the world premiere of Quiara Alegria Hudes's 'Water By the Spoonful' at Hartford Stage Company. New York: Samuel D. Hunter's 'A Bright New Boise,' 'Sex Lives of Our Parents' (Second Stage) and 'Queens Boulevard (Signature Theater).

Cassie Beck (Liz) previously appeared at Playwrights Horizons in 'The Drunken City' and 'Prayer for My Enemy.' Broadway: 'The Norman Conquests.' Other Off-Broadway: 'Happy Hour' (Atlantic) and Smudge (Women's Project).

Reyna de Courcy (Ellie). Theater: 'Burning' (New Group), 'Civilization' (All You Can Eat) (Clubbed Thumb), 'Orange, Hat & Grace' (Soho Rep), 'Snow Day,' 'Dreams of the Washer King' (Playwrights Realm) and 'Monstrosity' (13P). Television/Film: "Law & Order: SVU," "Blue Bloods," "Bored to Death," "Army Wives," "Beach Pillows," "Girls Against Boys," "Coming Up Roses," "The Bounty Hunter," "Asbury Park" and "Mister Green."

Shuler Hensley (Charlie) won both Tony and Olivier Awards for his portrayal of 'Jud Fry' in 'Oklahoma!' (Broadway, The National Theatre and London's West End). Other Broadway credits include playing 'Young Frankenstein,' 'Tarzan' and 'Les Misérables.' Off-Broadway: 'Silence! The Musical,' 'Sweet and Sad' (Obie Award), 'That Hopey Changey Thing' and 'The Great American Trailer Park Musical.'

Tasha Lawrence (Mary) originated the role of 'Mary' in the World Premiere of The Whale at Denver Center Theatre Company. Broadway: 'Wilder, Wilder, Wilder' and 'Good People.' Off-Broadway: 'Bhutan' (Cherry Lane) and ' The Director.'

Cory Michael Smith (Elder Thomas) originated the role of 'Elder Thomas' in the world premiere of The Whale at Denver Center Theatre Company. He previously appeared at Playwrights Horizons originating the role of 'Kyle' in 'The Shaggs: Philosophy of the World.' He's currently appearing Off-Broadway in the U.S. premiere of 'Cock' (The Duke on 42nd Street).