The Cast

The Cast

 

Holly Hunter

Holly Hunter

 

 

Bill Pullman

Bill Pullman

 

 

 

By Brian Scott Lipton

 

The quintessential American family – Ozzie, Harriet, David, and Ricky Nelson – confront the realities of the Vietnam War in David Rabe’s searingly satiric 1971 comedy, “Sticks and Bones,” which is getting a rare New York City revival courtesy of the New Group, beginning on October 21 at the company’s new home, the Pershing Square Signature Center.

Richard Chamberlain

Richard Chamberlain

David Rabe,

David Rabe,Scott Elliott

The production, put together and directed by the company’s head honcho, Scott Elliott, represents reunions of many sorts. Elliott previously helmed Rabe’s “Hurlyburly,” during which the two men became friends, as well as directing stars Bill Pullman (as Ozzie) last year in “The Jacksonian” and Raviv Ullman (as Ricky) in “Russian Transport.” Meanwhile, Pullman’s on-stage wife, Harriet, is being played by the actor’s longtime friend, Oscar winner Holly Hunter, long absent from the New York stage and excited about her return to the boards.

Ben Schnitzer

Ben Schnetzer

The cast also features television legend Richard Chamberlain, once again essaying the role of a priest (the actor is best remembered by many for donning and doffing the collar in the miniseries “The Thorn Birds”), rising star Ben Schnetzer (currently onscreen in “Pride), Nadia Gan, and Morocco Omari.

At a September 30 press event at New 42nd Street Studios, Theater Pizzazz spoke with Rabe, Elliott, and the cast about this major theatrical event of the fall 2014 season. Take a  look and a listen.

 

Photos/Video: Magda Katz (click all photos to expand)

Interviews: Brian Scott Lipton