'The Occupant' Extends Through July 13th

Signature Theatre Company (James Houghton, Founding Artistic Director; Erika Mallin, Executive Director) announced today that their world premiere production of Edward Albee'S OCCUPANT starring Tony® and Academy Award®-winning actress Mercedes Ruehl and two-time Emmy® winner and Tony® nominee Larry Bryggman has been extended again by popular demand through Sunday, July 13th.

Directed by Pam Mackinnon, Edward Albee'S OCCUPANT opened to rave reviews on Thursday, June 5th at The Peter Norton Space located at 555 West 42nd Street (between 10th and 11th Avenues).  Ben Brantley of the New York Times calls the show "A touchingly modest tribute to one of the most important American sculptors of the 20th century. 'Occupant' bows its head in awe and gratitude before the mysterious force of will that allows great artists to be."  Variety's David Rooney says OCCUPANT is "A fascinating addition to the playwright's body of work.  Mercedes Ruehl is transfixing. She loses herself in a full-immersion inhabitation of the flamboyant Nevelson." Michael Kuchwara of the Associated Press raves "A fanciful, fascinating meditation on not only Nevelson, but on the cult of celebrity and the impossibility of ever really knowing if you are getting the truth about a famous person or not."  Jacques LeSourd of the Journal News calls it "Riveting. Put it on your must-see list immediately."  Michael Sommers of the Star-Ledger says OCCUPANT is "Delightful and surprisingly accessible. Signature Theatre Company's world premiere offers a séance with an extraordinary individual -- and a friend of Albee's -- as vividly embodied by Mercedes Ruehl."

Tickets for the extension weeks (July 1st – 13th) are $65.

Tickets are available on Signature's website at www.signaturetheatre.org, by phone at (212) 244-PLAY (7529) and in person at the Box Office at 555 West 42nd Street (between 10th and 11th Avenues).

Signature Theatre Company caps off its 2007-2008 season with a Legacy Production as part of its Premiere Series, which presents new work by former Playwrights-in-Residence.  Edward Albee'S OCCUPANT is a portrait of acclaimed sculptor Louise Nevelson and a quest to capture a charismatic and complex artist and persona.  What is the relationship between creator and creation?  Who was Louise Nevelson?  Only she knew.

Sets are designed by Christine Jones with Costumes by Jane Greenwood and Lights by David Lander.

Signature's 2008-2009 season will celebrate the historic Negro Ensemble Company, and will kick off this August with Leslie Lee's Obie Award-winning THE FIRST BREEZE OF SUMMER.

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