BY A.R. GURNEY • DIRECTED BY KIM RUBINSTEIN
ON THE MAINSTAGE JANUARY 10 THRU FEBRUARY 4, 2007

FROM THE DESK OF ARTISTIC DIRECTOR GORDON EDELSTEIN

"This is Pete Gurney's masterpiece. Employing his characteristic pitch perfect ear for the manners of the privileged, Pete exposes the sometimes embarrassing truth hidden inside the cocktail cabinet.

"It is high time to bring this wonderful writer back to Long Wharf."

THE DESIGN:

When John returns home with his latest play, based on the lives of his family, the martinis begin to flow, his mother gets sauced, his sister breaks down, and the roast burns to a crisp.

The civilized cocktail hour quickly whirls into a lively family feud with director Kim Rubinstein (Guys and Dolls and Private Lives) at the helm.

THE BACKSTAGE PASS:

A.R. Gurney joined the U.S. Navy during the Korean War in 1952, writing shows to entertain the troops. In 1988, Long Wharf Theatre staged the world premiere of A.R. Gurney's Love Letters.

THE CURTAIN CALL:

The Cocktail Hour premiered at the Old Globe Theatre, San Diego, California, in June, 1988. In 1989, The Cocktail Hour won the Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Play and was nominated for the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding New Play.