The New Group on Wednesday announced its lineup for the 2018-19 season, which includes a musical version of the beloved ’90s film Clueless and Edie Falco’s return to the stage in Sharr White’s The True. The off-Broadway company’s roster also features new work from actor-turned-playwright Jesse Eisenberg.
Clueless, The Musical will debut in November. The production is based on the 1995 Paramount film written and directed by Amy Heckerling, who also penned the stage version. A riff on Jane Austen’s Emma set in modern-day Beverly Hiills, the show tells the story of Cher Horowitz (immortalized onscreen by Alicia Silverstone) and her overly optimistic attempts at playing Cupid for her friends.
The long-in-development musical will be directed by Kristin Hanggi (Rock of Ages) and choreographed by Kelly Devine (Come From Away). The score will be comprised of parody versions of ’90s pop hits with lyrics by Heckerling. Casting has yet to be announced.
The New Group, a top-tier off-Broadway mainstay with a rep for attracting marquee names, is also welcoming Falco back to the stage. The True marks the actress’ first play since 2013’s off-Broadway production of The Madrid. In The True, directed by Scott Elliott, Falco will play a Democratic political operative who struggles to defend her candidate, played by Michael McKean, during a tense primary challenge in 1970s Albany, New York. The show will kick off the company’s season in September, with a cast that also features Peter Scolari.
For its third production, Jeremy Harris’ Daddy — which is set to begin in February 2019 — The New Group is partnering with Vineyard Theater. Set in the Los Angeles Hills, the show stars Alan Cumming as Andre, a wealthy man who seduces a young black artist named Franklin. Though their relationship starts out as sexual attraction, they quickly develop a meaningful bond. However, their romance is rocked when Franklin’s Christian mother catches wind of it. Danya Taymor will direct, with additional cast to be announced.
Eisenberg, whose 2015 play The Spoils was produced by The New Group before transferring to London, returns to the company to round out the season with his latest effort, Yea, Sister!, about a suburban mom who has trouble juggling her responsiblities as a parent and her starring role in a local production of South Pacific. The Social Network star’s show will debut in April 2019, with casting details to come.
All shows will be staged at New York’s Pershing Square Signature Center. For more information, click here.
