Anthony LaPaglia and Kathryn Erbe Star in CHECKERS at Vineyard Theatre, Beginning Performances Today

Vineyard Theatre will open its 30th Anniversary season with the world premiere production of Douglas McGrath's play CHECKERS. Preview performances begin tonight, and opening night is set for October 28th. The production will be directed by Terry Kinney, it has been announced by The Vineyard's Artistic Director Douglas Aibel and Co-Artistic Director Sarah Stern.

The Cast of CHECKERS will include Kelly Coffield Park, Kathryn Erbe, Joel Marsh Garland, Anthony LaPaglia, Kevin O'Rourke, John Ottovino, Mark Shanahan, Lewis J. Stadlen and Robert Stanton.

It's 1952. Richard Nixon (LaPaglia) is campaigning as his party's candidate for Vice-President, his wife Pat (Erbe) proudly at his side, when an accusation of financial impropriety almost ends his promising career. In a momentous speech, he takes charge of his fate, and changes the character of American politics forever. CHECKERS is a revelatory look at Nixon's drive, history and most surprisingly, his marriage to Pat - all of which are explored with insight, blistering wit and unexpected tenderness. A gripping new play from Douglas McGrath, author of such noted films as INFAMOUS and EMMA. Directed by Terry Kinney (REASONS TO BE PRETTY, Vineyard's AFTER ASHLEY).

The creative team for CHECKERS includes Neil Patel (scenic design), Sarah Holden (costume design), David Weiner (lighting design), Millburn/Bodeen (music and sound design), Darrel Maloney (projection design).

Anthony LaPaglia most recently starred as Tito Merelli in the Stanley-Tucci directed revival of Ken Ludwig's farce LEND ME A TENOR at the Music Box Theatre. Theatre includes: THE GUYS, BOUNCERS, NORTHEAST LOCAL, ON THE OPEN ROAD, THE ROSE TATTOO and A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE, which earned him Tony, Drama Desk, and Outer Critic Circle Awards for his portrayal of Eddie Carbone in 1998. TV Credits include: 7- year run on "Without A Trace" (Golden Globe Award) "Frasier" (Emmy Award for recurring role of "Simon Moon"), and "Murder One". Films include: LANTANA, BETSY'S WEDDING, EMPIRE RECORDS, SO I MARRIED AN AXE MURDERER, THE HOUSE OF MIRTH, SWEET AND LOWDOWN, THE CLIENT, 29TH STREET, ONE GOOD COP, COMPANY MAN, SUMMER OF SAM, AUTUMN IN NEW YORK, THE SALTON SEA, HAPPY FEET, LANSKY, PHOENIX, COMMANDMENTS, BRILLIANT LIES, WINTER SOLSTICE, THE BANK, THE ARCHITECT and most recently, BALIBO, for which he proudly earned his second Best Actor AFI Award. In 2011 Anthony starred in P.J. Hogan's MENTAL alongside Liev Schreiber and Toni Collette. In 2012, Anthony starred in the Julian Assange bio pic, UNDERGROUND.

Kathryn Erbe is best known for playing Detective Alexandra Eames in "Law & Order: Criminal Intent." Erbe's television credits include playing the infamous death row inmate Shirley Bellinger on the acclaimed HBO series "Oz." She also appeared on NBC's "Homicide: Life on the Street," the miniseries "George Wallace," Showtime's original production of "Naked City: Justice with a Bullet," NBC's "Another World" and the television movie "Breathing Lessons." Erbe also gained notice in the 1999 box office hit STIR OF ECHOES opposite Kevin Bacon and DREAM WITH THE FISHES with David Arquette. Her additional film credits include ENTROPY, KISS OF DEATH, D2: THE MIGHTY DUCKS, RICH IN LOVE, WHAT ABOUT BOB? and SPEAKING OF SEX with Lara Flynn Boyle and Bill Murray. Before appearing in feature films, Erbe began her career on the stage. She is a member of the Steppenwolf Theater Company and has starred in many of their productions, including Tennessee Williams' A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE as Stella, CURSE OF THE STARVING CLASS and MY THING OF LOVE. She earned a Tony® Award nomination in 1991 for her portrayal of Mary in SPEED OF DARKNESS. Erbe is also an active member of the Atlantic Theatre Company. Most recently, Erbe filmed on THREE BACKYARDS starring opposite Embeth Davidtz and Edie Falco, MOTHER'S HOUSE, WORST FRIEND'S, and THE LOVE GUIDE with Parker Posey.

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