Casting announced for MCC Theater's Permission

MCC Theater has announced casting for its upcoming Alex Timbers-helmed World Premiere of Robert Askins' comedy Permission, which will begin performances at off-Broadway's Lucille Lortel Theatre on 29 April 2015, before an official opening on 19 May and run through to 7 June 2015.

The cast of Permission includes Emmy nominee and 'Twilight' star Elizabeth Reaser, 'The Hangover' star Justin Bartha, Nicole Lowrance, Talene Monahon, and Lucas Near-Verbrugghe.

Synopsis: "Eric and Cyndy are looking for some direction. They've decided to follow the lead of their friends Zach and Shelley and make Christian Domestic Discipline the foundation of their marriage. But restructuring their lives and their union according to role play and a new moral code upends everything they knew - and took for granted - about one another, their friends, and more importantly, who really holds the paddle!"

The creative team for Permission will be announced at a later date.

Justin Bartha has appeared on Broadway in 'Lend Me a Tenor' and off-Broadway in 'All New People.' He is perhaps best known for his film roles in 'The Hangover' and 'National Treasure' franchises.

Elizabeth Reaser earned an Emmy nomination in 2007 for 'Grey's Anatomy.' She is perhaps best known for her role as Esme Cullen in the 'Twilight' movie franchise. She previously appeared off-Broadway in MCC's 'The Money Shot.'

Alex Timbers earned Tony nominations in 2012 for co-directing 'Peter and the Starcatcher' and in 2011 for writing the book for 'Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson', which he also directed. Other Broadway credits include 'Rocky' and 'The Pee-wee Herman Show'. He also has an Obie and Lucille Lortel Award-winning off-Broadway career, including The Public's 'Here Lies Love' and 'Love's Labours Lost', amongst his credits.

- by Tom Millward