Westport Country Playhouse’s production of “Buyer & Cellar,” starring Michael Urie, will air on “Theater Close-Up” on New York’s public television station THIRTEEN, on Monday, December 5, at 10 p.m., with an encore presentation on Sunday, December 11, at 1 a.m. The comedy was captured live on the Playhouse stage during its run last June. “Theater Close-Up” is a collaboration between THIRTEEN and the community of New York City area, Off-Broadway, and regional theaters.
The comedy “Buyer & Cellar” is about a beloved megastar named Barbra who has a mall in the basement of her Mailbu mansion. Alex More, played by Urie, is a struggling L.A. actor who finds himself with the odd job of the mall’s shopkeeper. He takes the audience on a rollercoaster ride of fame and friendship at the outer reaches of American celebrity. Playwright is Jonathan Tolins, a resident of Fairfield, CT.
Michael Urie, who won the Drama Desk, Clarence Derwent, Lucille Lortel, and LA Drama Critics awards for originating the role of Alex More, is well known for the portraying Marc St. James on the award-winning “Ugly Betty” television series, and is currently appearing in “Homos, Or Everyone in America,” at Labyrinth Theater Company.
Taping of the Westport Country Playhouse production for “Theater Close-Up“ was made possible by Howard J. Aibel. Production Sponsor was Joyce Hergenhan; Corporate Production Sponsor was Fidelity.
The production was directed for television by David Horn. Mitch Owgang is producer; Bill O’Donnell is series producer; and David Horn is executive producer. Executive-in-charge for WNET is Neal Shapiro.