The Gingold Theatrical Group's new production of George Bernard Shaw's Arms and the Man officially opens Off-Broadway at Theatre Row's Theatre 2 October 26 after beginning previews October 17. Performances will continue through November 18.
Centering on a hunted soldier who seeks refuge in a young lady’s boudoir, Arms and the Man is one of Shaw's most popular early plays, supplying a series of unusual philosophies about love, war, and life.
“Arms and the Man is one of those infamous Shaw plays ready for some deep-dive re-examining,” said director David Staller in an earlier statement. “It’s a blissfully streamlined and funny little play that allows seven disparate characters in Bulgaria during an incredibly brief war (yes, there’s rarely not been a war in Eastern Europe) who, by coming together en masse are able to challenge everything they’ve been and plant a foot on a new life. Although it’s often all too easily diminished as an anti-war play, it’s so much more than that in keeping with all of Shaw’s 65 plays reminding us to take an active and enlightened part in our own journey. ‘Challenge everything’ was Shaw’s mantra to become the person you want to be.”
The cast features Shanel Bailey (Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies), Delphi Borich (Camelot), Ben Davis (New York New York), Keshav Moodliar (Queen), Thomas Jay Ryan (Uncle Vanya), Evan Zes (The Kite Runner), and Tony winner Karen Ziemba (Prince of Broadway). Understudies Mazvita Chanakira (Gap Year), René Thornton Jr (The Tempest), and Matthew Zimmerman (A Midsummer Night’s Dream) round out the company.
The production features set design by Lindsay Genevieve Fuori, lighting design by Jamie Roderick, costume design by Tracy Christensen, and sound design by Julian Evans. Prop design is by Emmarose Campbell. Production management is by Allie Posner. Hair design is by Cassie Williams, and Stephanie Yankwitt of tbd Casting Co. serves as casting director. The production stage manager is April Ann Kline, and Jade Doina serves as assistant stage manager.
For more information, visit GingoldGroup.org.
