Karen Ziemba Set to Replace Kathy Najimy in A.R. Gurney’s Offbeat Off-Broadway Comedy Heresy

Tony winner Karen Ziemba has has signed on to join the wild world of Heresy on October 19 at the Flea Theatre, succeeding Kathy Najimy, who will open in the play on October 11 before departing for a TV project. Ziemba joins a cast that includes Annette O’Toole, Ariel Woodiwiss, Reg E. Cathey, Steve Mellor, Tommy Crawford and Danny Rivera in the world premiere at the Flea Theatre. Directed by Jim Simpson, the world premiere of A.R. Gurney’s new comedy is scheduled to play a limited engagement through November 4.

Set in the near future, Heresy is the story of Mary (O’Toole) and Joseph (Mellor), who have arrived at Homeland Security to rescue their protesting son, Chris, who has been taken into custody during the latest crackdown. As they plead their case to Pontius Pilate (Cathey), hilarity ensues.

Ziemba won a Tony Award for Contact, and earned additional nominations for Curtains, Never Gonna Dance and Steel Pier. Her other Broadway credits include Chicago, Crazy For You, Teddy & Alice, 42nd Street and A Chorus Line. Her film and TV credits include Law & Order, Scrubs, The End of the Bar and the 2005 film adaptation of The Producers.