The world premiere of Charles Busch's Ibsen's Ghost: An Irresponsible Biographical Fantasy comes to Off-Broadway's 59E59 following a run at George Street Playhouse in New Jersey, with an official opening night March 14 after beginning previews March 2 via Primary Stages. The limited engagement will continue through April 14.
Busch himself is starring as Suzannah Thoresen Ibsen, wife of the playwright, joined by Thomas Gibson (Dharma & Greg) as Wolf Dahlquist, Jen Cody (Shrek The Musical) as Gerda, Christopher Borg (The Confession of Lily Dare) as George Elstad and The Rat Wife, Judy Kaye (Diana) as Magdalene Kragh Thoresen, and Jennifer Van Dyck (Hedda Gabler) as Hannah Solberg. Standby Kate Hampton rounds out the company. Casting is by McCorkle Casting.
The new work spins a tall tale about the wife of the Doll's House playwright, taking place the week after his funeral. Suddenly among her new predicaments are her husband's long-lost illegitimate son, a libelous so-called diary being shopped around by a former protégée, and a mysterious exterminator. Carl Andress (Still at Risk) is directing.
The production features scenic design by Shoko Kambara, costume design by Gregory Gale, lighting design by Ken Billington, sound design by Jill BC Du Boff and Ien De Nio, and wig design by Bobbie Zlotnik. Avery Trunko is production stage manager, and Kelly Hatfield serves as assistant stage manager.
Tickets are available at 59e59.org.