This: Julianne Nicholson joins cast

Playwrights Horizons has announced that Julianne Nicholson, star of the long-running NBC/USA Network series 'Law & Order: Criminal Intent,' has joined the cast of This, playing the principal role of 'Jane' in the world premiere of a new play by Obie Award winner Melissa James Gibson (Suitcase, [sic]).

Parker Posey, who was originally cast as 'Jane,' was forced to withdraw from the production in August after developing Lyme disease.

Also completing the five-person cast is Darren Pettie ('Butley' on Broadway, 'Spatter Pattern' at Playwrights Horizons, the film 'Taking Woodstock') in the role of 'Tom.'

Directed by Daniel Aukin, This also features the previously announced Louis Cancelmi (Jean-Pierre), Eisa Davis (Marell) and Glenn Fitzgerald (Alan).

This opens at Playwrights Horizons's Mainstage Theater on 2 Dec 2009, following previews from 6 Nov and running through to 13 Dec 2009.

This: A comedy in which everyone�s worried about Jane. Her husband�s been dead a year. Her daughter is ten. Her poetry�s lost its muse. Her friends aren�t that happy either. Her married friends are struggling. Her gay friend is lonely. And Jane�s blind date with the French doctor (without borders) is complicated.

The production will feature scenic design by Louisa Thompson, costume design by Maiko Matsushima, lighting design by Matt Frey and sound design by Matt Tierney.