Justin Kirk and Mark-Paul Gosselaar Join Julie White in The Understudy

Familiar television faces Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Justin Kirk will join Tony Award winner Julie White in Roundabout Theatre Company's previously announced New York premiere of Theresa Rebeck’s comedy The Understudy. The new play, directed by Scott Ellis, begins previews on October 9 at the Laura Pels Theatre. Opening night is scheduled for November 5.

The Understudy takes place behind the scenes during the Broadway run of a long lost Kafka play, introducing a cast of characters including a star who doesn’t understand the play, a disgruntled stage manager, a stoner set technician and an understudy trapped in a thankless job amidst all the comic chaos. A biting comedy, the show unfurls as the company tackles its unforgettable dress rehearsal. The Understudy made its world premiere at the Williamstown Theatre Festival in July 2008, also originally set to star White. The actress, who had to withdraw due to scheduling conflicts, was replaced by Kristen Johnston for the festival debut.

Gosselaar memorably created the role of Zach Morris on the 1990s teen television series Saved by the Bell. Additional credits from his long television career include Murphy Brown, The Wonder Years, Punky Brewster, John From Cincinnati, Robot Chicken, Commander in Chief, NYPD Blue and Raising the Bar.

Kirk made his Broadway debut in the play Any Given Day, following up with Love! Valour! Compassion! Off-Broadway, he was seen in Old Wicked Songs, Ten Unknowns and The World Over. Kirk’s many television credits include the HBO miniseries adaptation of Angels in America, as well as Without a Trace, Everwood, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Law & Order: SVU, Jack and Bobby and his current run on Showtime’s Weeds. Film credits include The Presence, Elektra Lexx, Puccini for Beginners, Flannel Pajamas, Against the Current, Four Boxes, See You in September and Hollywood Dreams.

The design team for The Understudy includes Alexander Dodge (sets), Tom Broecker (costumes), Kenneth Posner (lights) and Obadiah Eaves (original music and sound).