Norbert Leo Butz to star in 'Vladimir' off Broadway

The world-premiere drama about politics and journalism in Russia will be presented by Manhattan Theatre Club at New York City Center this September.

Manhattan Theatre Club has announced initial casting for its fall production of Vladimir, a new play by Erika Sheffer. Performances begin at New York City Center on September 24 ahead of an October 16 opening.

Two-time Tony Award winner Norbert Leo Butz stars in Vladimir as Sema alongside Francesca Faridany as Raya, Erik Jensen as Andrei, Olivia Deren Nikkanen as Galina, Jonathan Walker as Jim, Erin Darke as Chovka, and David Rosenberg as Yevgeny.

Additional casting has yet to be set.

Daniel Sullivan directs Vladimir, set in Moscow during Vladimir Putin's first term leading Russia. A journalist tries to maintain her sanity and safety as she pursues an explosive story — but also wonders whether the scoop is worth the danger that looms for her and her sources.

Alongside Sullivan, the creative team for Vladimir features set designer Mark Wendland, costume designer Jess Goldstein, lighting designer Japhy Weideman, sound designer and composer Dan Moses Schreier, projection designer Lucy Mackinnon, fight director Tom Schall, hair and wig designer Charles LaPointe, and dialect coach Charlotte Fleck.

Check back for information on Vladimir tickets on New York Theatre Guide.

Photo credit: Norbert Leo Butz. (Photo by Tom Singer)