Why Torture Is Wrong... announces full cast

The Public Theater has announced the complete cast for the world premiere of Christopher Durang�s dark comedy Why Torture Is Wrong, And The People Who Love Them.

Laura Benanti, Audrie Neenan, and Richard Poe join the previously announced Amir Arison, David Aaron Baker, Kristine Nielsen and John Pankow, directed by Nicholas Martin.

Why Torture Is Wrong, And The People Who Love Them, opening at the Public Theater on 6 Apr 2009, following previews from 24 Mar and running through to 26 Apr 2009.

Why Torture Is Wrong...: Tells the story of a young woman suddenly in crisis: is her new husband, whom she married when drunk, a terrorist? Or just crazy? Or both? Is her father�s hobby of butterfly collecting really a cover for his involvement in a shadow government? Why does her mother enjoy going to the theatre so much? Does she seek mental escape, or is she insane?

�Only Christopher Durang could make a comedy about torture,� said Public Theater Artistic Director Oskar Eustis. �This play is seriously funny, genuinely optimistic and full of hope. It�s the perfect play for this moment in time.�

Laura Benanti (Felicity) played 'Louise' in the recent recvival of 'Gypsy' for which she won a 2008 Tony Award. She was nominated for Tony's for 'Into the Woods' (Cinderella: 2002 revival) and 'Swing!' (1999). She last appeared Off-Broadway in 'Time and Again' (Manhattan Theatre Club).

Audrie Neenan (Hildegarde) last appeared on Broadway in Trevor Nunn�s revival of 'Oklahoma!' (Armina: 2002). Her other Broadway credits include 'Picnic' (Irma Kronkite: 1994 revival), 'The Odd Couple' (Florence Ungar - replacement: 1985 revival) and 'The Curse of an Aching Heart' (multiple: 1982 revival). She recently appeared opposite 'Meryl Streep' in the film version of 'Doubt.'

Richard Poe (Leonard) has appeared on Broadway in 'Cry-Baby' (Judge Stone: 2008). His many Broaway credits include: 'Journey�s End' (Colonel: 2007 revival), 'The Pajama Game' (Hasler: 2006) and 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer' (mulitple: 2001). He last appeared off-Broadway in Theatre for a New Audience's 'Svejk.' His television appearances include recurring roles on 'Star Trek,' 'Frasier,' 'The Five Mrs. Buchanans, and Ed. He recently appeared in the films 'Transamerica' and 'Burn After Reading.'

Nicholas Martin (Director) is the artistic director of the Williamstown Theatre Festival and former artistic director of Huntington Theatre Company. His Broadway directional credits are 'Butley' (2006 revival), 'Match' (2004), 'Hedda Gabler' (2001 revival), 'The Rehearsal' (1996 revival). He recently directed 'Saturn Returns' and 'The New Century' for Lincoln Center Theater. He was nominated for the 2003 Lucille Lortel Nomination, Outstanding Director, for his helmship of 'Observe the Sons of Ulster ...' again for Lincoln Center Theater. He won a OBIE Award for his direction of 'Betty's Summer Vacation' for 'Playwrights Horizons' in 1999.

Christopher Durang (Playwright) returns to The Public after writing and starring in the 1985 production of 'The Marriage of Bette and Boo.' His works have been staged on and off-Broadway and include 'Sex and Longing,' 'A History of the American Film' (Tony nomination), 'Miss Witherspoon,' 'Adrift In Macao,' 'Betty�s Summer Vacation,' 'Durang Durang,' 'Beyond Therapy,' 'Baby with the Bathwater,' 'The Actor's Nightmare,' 'Laughing Wild,' and 'Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All For You' (Obie Award).