Gummer, Naughton, Shamos & Chernus Set for Hunting and Gathering

Mamie Gummer, Keira Naughton, Jeremy Shamos and Michael Chernus have signed on for Primary Stages' world premiere production of Brooke Berman's Hunting and Gathering. Directed by Leigh Silverman, the play will begin previews on January 22, 2008, and open on February 3 at 59E59 Theaters. The limited run is scheduled to continue through March 1.

Hunting and Gathering follows four interconnected New Yorkers through their thwarted attempts to find their place, without compromise. Jesse Shamos has his first date since his divorce, his ex-lover Ruth Naughton is living a fantasy, his brother Astor Chernus is the "man with the van," and Bess Gummer has a plan to come out on top. Berman's contemporary play begs the question: Do you have to be a predator to survive? The play incorporates original music by some of New York's up-and-coming rock bands, according to Primary Stages artistic director Andrew Leynse. The production is being presented in association with Daryl Roth and True Love Productions.

Gummer's off-Broadway credits include Mr. Marmalade and The Water's Edge, and she appeared in Williamstown Theatre Festival's production of The Autumn Garden last summer. Her film credits include Evening, The Hoax and the upcomingStop Loss and Loss of a Teardrop Diamond.

Naughton has appeared on Broadway in The Rivals, Dance of Death, Three Sisters and All My Sons. Her off-Broadway credits include Lucy, Indoor/Outdoor, Fizz, Tesla's Letters, Evolution, The American Clock, Roses in December, Uncle Jack and Hotel Universe. Regional credits include Uncle Vanya, Wonder of the World, Company and Proof.

Shamos recently starred in 100 Saints You Should Know at Playwrights Horizons and has appeared off-Broadway in Gutenberg! The Musical!, Trouble in Paradise, Engaged, Observe the Sons of Ulster marching Towards the Somme, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged, Hamlet, Cymbeline, Race and the Alchemist, Stranger and Corpus Christi. Broadway credits include The Rivals and Reckless.

Chernus has appeared off-Broadway in Rag and Bone, American Sligo, Finer Noble Gases, Essential Self-Defense, Mr. Marmalade, Living Room in Africa, A Number, St. Scarlet, Golden Agee and Thunderbird.

The creative team of Hunting and Gathering includes David Korins sets, Miranda Hoffman costumes, Ben Stanton lights, Robert Kaplowitz sound, and Melonie Rademaker music consultant.