Santino Fontana & Tony Shalhoub to Star in James Lapine's Act One at Lincoln Center

Tony nominees Santino Fontana (who is currently starring on Broadway in Cinderella) and Tony Shalhoub will both appear as iconic writer/director Moss Hart in Lincoln Center’s upcoming production of Act One. The new play, written and directed by Tony winner James Lapine and based on Hart’s bestselling autobiography, will begin performances March 20, 2014. Opening night is set for April 17 at the Vivian Beaumont Theater.

Act One chronicles Pulitzer Prize winner Moss’ impoverished childhood and his determined struggle to escape poverty and forge a career in the theater.  This path led to his collaboration with George S. Kaufman and their first great success, Once In A Lifetime.

Fontana was nominated for a Tony Award for his performance asthe Prince in Cinderella. His other Broadway credits include The Importance of Being Earnest, Brighton Beach Memoirs, Billy Elliot and Sunday in the Park with George. His off-Broadway credits include The Sons of the Prophet, The Fantasticks and Perfect Harmony.  HIs TV and film credits include The Good Wife, Nurse Jackie, A Gifted Man, Royal Pains, Made in Jersey, Frozen and the upcoming Jack Ryan.

Shalhoub garnered Tony nominations for his roles in Lincoln Center’s Golden Boy and Conversations With My Father.  His additional Broadway credits include Lend Me A Tenor, The Heidi Chronicles and The Odd Couple.  His off-Broadway credits include The Scene, Waiting for Godot, Rameau’s Nephew and Zero Positive.  TV and film credits include Pain & Gain, Big Night, Barton Fink, The Siege, A Civil Action, Men in Black (I and II), Wings, Monk, Too Big To Fail and Hemingway and Gelhorn.

The production will feature set design by Beowulf Boritt, costume design by Jane Greenwood, lighting design by Ken Billington, sound design by Dan Moses Schreier and original music by Louis Rosen.  Further casting will be announced shortly.