The First Breeze of Summer extends its run by one week

Signature Theatre Company has announced a one-week extension of Leslie Lee's The First Breeze Of Summer, the first production of Signature�s 2008-2009 season celebrating the historic Negro Ensemble Company (NEC).

The play opened at the Peter Norton Space on 21 Aug 2008, following previews from 5 Aug, for a limited engagement that was originally scheduled to end on 28 Sep 2008, but will now play through to 5 Oct 2008.

The First Breeze Of Summer takes place over the course of one sweltering weekend in June, as the struggles of three generations of the Edwards family collide. Gremmar, the family matriarch, looks back on her past and considers its legacy for her children and grandchildren as they confront the choices that will define their futures. Leslie Lee�s Obie Award-winning play is a portrait of family bonds and coming of age.

Directed by Ruben Santiago-Hudson, The First Breeze Of Summer stars Tony and Emmy Award winner Leslie Uggams, and also features Quincy Dunn BakerHarvey Blanks, Yaya DaCosta, Sandra Daley, Crystal Anne Dickinson, Brandon Dirden, Jason Dirden, Marva Hicks, John Earl Jelks, Tuck Milligan, Gilbert Owuor, Brenda Pressley and Keith Randolph Smith.

The original production of The First Breeze Of Summer, directed by NEC founder Douglas Turner Ward, received a Tony Award nomination for Best Play during its 1975 run at Broadway�s Palace Theatre.

The creative team includes: Michael Carnahan (sets), Karen Perry (costumes), Marcus Doshi (lighting) and David Margolin Lawson (sound).

Signature�s 2008-2009 season will be an examination of a body of work from the historic Negro Ensemble Company�s collective of writers, whose contributions have helped shape America�s theatrical heritage.

Ruben Santiago-Hudson will serve as Associate Artist for the season, which will also include Samm-Art Williams� Home, Charles Fuller�s Zooman and the Sign, and a staged reading of Douglas Turner Ward�s Day of Absence.