The cast will feature Robert Petkoff (Napoleon), Bradford Cover (A Lieutenant), Tim Jerome (Giuseppe), Alison Fraser (A Strange Lady) and Charlotte Moore (Narrator). Staller and J. R. Sullivan direct.
Written in 1895, Shaw's short adventure comedy, The Man of Destiny, according to press notes, "puts none other than Napoleon the First front and center. Since it’s a Shaw play (women generally rule his plays) there’s a dynamic woman involved who not only turns out to be a mysterious spy, but actually challenges the great man in every possible way."
The evening will also feature a curtain raiser with a Shavian Music Hall with songs, poems and letters. Henry Aronson is music director.
In a statement Staller said, "Shaw was always fascinated by people who challenged society, so it should come as no surprise he’d find Napoleon to be an intriguing character. In typical Shavian form, he places the man in an amusingly pastoral location to set him up to be challenged not by a battle or other ambitious generals, but by a mysterious woman who forces him to step back and examine the world and his place in it. Also, for those of us who don’t particularly look forward to Valentine’s Day, we’ll present a first act full of light entertainments guaranteed to scrape away the residue of Hallmark."
Now celebrating its 11th year, Gingold Theatrical Group's Project Shaw made history in December 2009 as the first company ever to present performances of every one of Shaw's 65 plays (including full-length works, one-acts and sketches).
Tickets are $35 and are available by calling (212) 864-5400 or online at www.symphonyspace.org