Gordon Edelstein directs the production, which will continue through Aug. 23.
Written by O'Neill (1888-1953) in the 1940s and first produced on Broadway in 1957, the play is part of O'Neill's cycle of dramas about the demons haunting an Irish-American family, the Tyrones, based on his own family. Moon for the Misbegotten serves as a sequel to Long Day's Journey Into Night, showing young Jamie Tyrone as a adult.
The play is described in production notes thus: "When Phil Hogan, a salty tenant farmer, fears he will lose his property, his daughter Josie (McDonald), lures their dissolute landlord, Jamie Tyrone Jr. (Swenson), into bed one summer night. Under the glow of the moon, truth comes into focus for these two souls, but what awaits them when dawn breaks?" Helmed by Edelstein and featuring scenic design by Ming Cho Lee, this "raw and invigorating new look at O’Neill’s poetic and bitterly romantic" play "assures us of the heart’s capacity for infinite love and forgiveness."
McDonald won her Tony Awards for performances in Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill, Porgy & Bess, A Raisin in the Sun, Ragtime, Master Class and Carousel.
The cast also includes Glynn Turman, Aaron Costa Ganis and Howard W. Overshown. Also on the creative team: Jane Greenwood (costume designer), Jennifer Tipton (lighting designer) and John Gromada (sound designer).
Performances are held at ’62 Center for Theatre and Dance, 1000 Main St., Williamstown, MA. Box Office is (413) 597-3400. Click here to order tickets.
