AFRAID OF THE DARK -- a new thriller whose author writes anonymously -- will be given its world-premiere production Off-Broadway this fall at the Little Shubert Theatre (422 W. 42 St.) in Manhattan, with previews scheduled to begin on September 8. Opening night and casting TBA.
AFRAID OF THE DARK will be directed by Will Frears, whose numerous credits include Second Stage's productions of Theresa Rebeck's WATER'S EDGE and Michael Golomco's YEAR ZERO, as well as Mr. Golomco's STILL LIFE at MCC, The New Group and The Play Company's production of TERRORISM, Theresa Rebeck and Alexandra Gersten-Vassilio's play OMNIUM GATHERUM, and Rattlestick's WHERE WE'RE BORN and GOD HATES THE IRISH, all Off-Broadway.
Produced by Maberry Theatricals, James Nederlander, Jr. and Craig Haffner, this production of AFRAID OF THE DARK has been conceived and developed by Jim Steinmeyer, Devlin Elliott, Tom Kirdahy and its anonymous author. Mr. Steinmeyer's numerous international credits include creating illusions for the Broadway productions of MARY POPPINS, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, MERLIN and INTO THE WOODS and Ricky Jay, ON THE STEM Off-Broadway.
AFRAID OF THE DARK is at once a play and a singular theatrical experience, depicting as it does the ghoulish and fantastical things that happen when four people, all acquaintances, are visited by a mysterious, cryptic stranger. AFRAID OF THE DARK both raises the hair on one's neck and raises the questions, "where does a nightmare end and reality begin?" and "what makes you afraid of the dark?"
AFRAID OF THE DARK has scenic design by Neil Patel (WONDERLAND, [title of show], SIDE MAN on Broadway); lighting design by Tony Award winners Jules Fisher and Peggy Eisenhauer; costume design by Jenny Mannis (URGE FOR GOING, EDGEWISE, SPIRIT CONTROL) and sound design by Fitz Patton (HOUSE OF BLUE LEAVES).
During the 2010-11 season alone, James Nederlander, Jr. has produced SPIDER-MAN, CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT, Donny and Marie, RAIN and Harry ConnICK JR. IN CONCERT on Broadway. Other recent Broadway productions include Million Dollar Quartet, THE ADDAMS FAMILY, ROCK OF AGES and THE LITTLE MERMAID.
Devlin Elliott and Tom Kirdahy began Maberry Theatricals in 2006 and have subsequently have taken on projects as General Partners or Co-Lead Producers on works for the stage including RAGTIME (6 Tony nominations, 9 Drama Desk nominations), DEUCE and UNUSUAL ACTS OF DEVOTION (Philadelphia Theater Company and La Jolla Playhouse).
Tickets to AFRAID OF THE DARK will range in price from $66 to $75 and will be available -- at an on-sale date to be announced -- through Telecharge at 212 239 6200 or www.telecharge.com
www.afraidofthedarknyc.com
