Jim Parsons in 'Harvey' and other summer plays
Jim Parsons ("The Big Bang Theory") in Broadway's "Harvey," directed by Scott Ellis. Credit: Joan Marcus
Harvey (in previews, opens June 14). Jim Parsons' best friend is a 6-foot invisible rabbit named Harvey in this revival of the Pulitzer Prize-winning 1944 comedy by Mary Chase. Parsons, a haute-geek in "The Big Bang Theory," seems a fine choice to try to fill the shoes left by James Stewart when he defined the charmingly deluded world of Elwood P. Dowd in the beloved 1950 movie. The Roundabout Theatre Company production is at Studio 54, 254 W. 54th St. Tickets are $37-$127. Phone 212-719-1300 or visit roundabouttheatre.org.
Medieval Play (in previews, opens June 7). Kenneth Lonergan, the subtle and terrific author of such modern-day plays as "Lobby Hero" and "Waverly Gallery" (and the movie "You Can Count on Me"), takes a leap into the late 14th century here. Anthony Arkin, Heather Burns and Josh Hamilton co-star in what is described as a story of "love, noble feats of arms, indiscriminate brutality, the progressive refinement of medieval table manners and the general decline of the chivalric ideal." Oh yes, and it's a comedy. The production is the first in the playwright-director's residency at the Signature Theatre Company, 480 W. 42nd St. Tickets are $25. Phone 212-244-7529 or visit signaturetheatre.org.
Storefront Church (in previews, opens June 11). This is the third in John Patrick Shanley's formidable church-and-state trilogy that began with his Pulitzer Prize-winning "Doubt" and continued with "Defiance." The new play, which Shanley also directs, involves a mortgage-crisis conflict between a Bronx borough president and a local minister. The intriguing cast includes Bob Dishy, Giancarlo Esposito and Tonya Pinkins. The long-wandering Atlantic Theater Company has chosen this premiere to unveil its drastically renovated theater, 336 W. 20th St. Tickets are $65. Phone 212-279-4200 or visit atlantictheater.org.
Rapture, Blister, Burn (in previews, opens June 12). Amy Brenneman co-stars in this world premiere by Gina Gionfriddo, a Pulitzer Prize finalist for her sharp-witted "Becky Shaw." Peter DuBois, who staged that one, directs what is described as an "unflinching look at gender politics in the wake of 20th century feminist ideals." Tickets are $70 at Playwrights Horizons, 416 W. 42nd St. Phone 212-279-4200 or visit playwrightshorizons.org.
As You Like It (previews begin June 5). The Public Theater kicks off its 50th year of free Shakespeare in Central Park in the Forest of Arden with Lily Rabe as Rosalind, Stephen Spinella as Jaques, Andre Braugher as Duke Frederick and Oliver Platt as Touchstone. Directing is Daniel Sullivan, responsible for many of the most memorable Shakespeares, including the monumental "The Merchant of Venice" (starring Rabe and Al Pacino) two years ago. Check publictheater.org for information on obtaining free tickets.
Lincoln Center Festival (July 5-Aug. 5) This summer's ever-fascinating international festival includes Alan Cumming in a one-man "Macbeth" from the National Theatre of Scotland, Cate Blanchett in "Uncle Vanya" from the Sydney Theatre Company, Mikhail Baryshnikov in a play called "In Paris," plus visits from the Paris Opera Ballet, Ireland's Druid Theatre and a 70th birthday tribute to Curtis Mayfield. For a calendar of events, locations and prices, visit lincolncenterfesti val.org.
Bring It On: The Musical (previews begin July 12, opens Aug. 1). Based on the 2000 movie about a high school cheerleading squad, this show comes off a 13-city tour to Broadway's St. James Theatre, 246 W. 44th St., boasting a creative team with shelves of awards. The book is by Jeff Whitty ("Avenue Q"), the music and/or lyrics are by Lin-Manuel Miranda ("In the Heights") and Tom Kitt ("Next to Normal"), with direction by Andy Blankenbuehler ("In the Heights"). Phone 212-239-6200 or visit bringitonmusical.com.
Into the Woods (previews begin July 23) This eagerly awaited revival of the enchanted fairy-tale mashup by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine takes the second slot at the Public Theater's free Shakespeare in the Park season, with a cast that includes Donna Murphy as the Witch and Amy Adams as the Baker's Wife. The production, based on last summer's smash outdoors in London's Regent Park, is again directed by Timothy Sheader. Visit publictheater.org for ticket information.
The Train Driver (previews begin Aug. 14). The Signature Theatre's extraordinary season devoted to Athol Fugard ends with a New York premiere by the visionary South African playwright. Based on a true story, the drama is described as a "soulful exploration of guilt, suffering and the powerful bonds that grow between strangers." As always, tickets for the scheduled part of the season at 480 W. 42nd St. are $25. Phone 212-244-7529 or visit signature theatre.org.
If There Is I Haven't Found It Yet (previews begin Aug. 24). Jake Gyllenhaal makes his New York stage debut in this American premiere by British playwright Nick Payne. The actor plays a drifter uncle who befriends a teenage girl who has been bullied about her weight. The Roundabout Theatre Company presents the drama in its Off-Broadway Laura Pels Theatre, 111 W. 46th St. Phone 212-719-1300 or visit roundabouttheatre.org
Potted Potter: the Unauthorized Harry Experience (in previews, opens next Sunday). Two Brits, Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner, sing, dance and change costumes at the Little Shubert Theatre in service of all the Harry Potter books -- in 70 minutes.
Chimichangas and Zoloft (in previews, opens next Sunday). Fernanda Coppel's play involves teenage girls and an alienated mom at the Atlantic Stage 2.
Food and Fadwa (in previews, opens June 7). The new Noor Theatre, dedicated to plays about the Middle East, begins its first season at New York Theatre Workshop with this serious comedy about a Palestinian family living in Bethlehem.
We Play for the Gods (previews begin Friday, opens June 11). The Women's Project collaborates with seven playwrights, four directors, three producers and five actors for a world premiere named after the famous theatrical quote by the late off-Off Broadway visionary Ellen Stewart.
Slowgirl (previews begin June 4, opens June 18). The Lincoln Center Theater opens its new rooftop playhouse with the world premiere of Greg Pierce's drama about a young woman and her uncle in the Costa Rican jungle.
3C (begins previews June 6, opens June 21). Anna Chlumsky co-stars in David Adjmi's new play at the Rattlestick Playwrights Theater about an unlikely post-Vietnam threesome.
The Last Smoker in America (begins previews July 11, opens Aug.2). In this musical at the Westside Theatre, a family struggles to survive in a world where smoking has been outlawed.
Dogfight (previews begin June 26). Second Stage Theatre presents a new musical, directed by Joe Mantello ("Other Desert Cities"), based on the 1991 movie about Marines on the night before deployment to Vietnam.
Harrison, TX: Three Plays by Horton Foote (previews begin July 24). Pam MacKinnon ("Clybourne Park") directs three vignettes by the late Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright at 59E 59 Theaters.
Heartless (begins previews Aug. 7). In this world premiere by Sam Shepard at the Signature Theatre Company, mysteries are uncovered in a big home overlooking Los Angeles.
