Clark Gregg has written a political comedy, Smear, and its first New York outing is a one-night staged reading on November 1 with George Clooney, Adam Scott, Betty Gilpin and Laverne Cox in the cast.
Playbill reports that Gregg also directs the reading, which completes its company with Glenn Fleshler and Shane Paul McGhie. The production company rigor + ruckus presents it, and the night doubles as a fundraiser: the political giving platform Oath is selling the tickets and will direct the proceeds to the nonprofit work of The States Project and The States Forum.
The play follows two worn-out campaign strategists, once a couple, now on opposite sides of a vicious contest for a North Carolina congressional seat, a race whose outcome could tip the balance of the midterm elections.
Gregg is best known on screen as Agent Phil Coulson in the Marvel films and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., but he also writes for the stage and directs for film; he adapted and directed Choke. Playbill quotes him describing the project as a “unique collision of art and life.” For Oath, Brian Derrick said, “Theatre has a unique ability to bring activists and artists together.”
The venue has not been announced. It is in the theater district, and ticket holders will be told the address after booking. Tickets are sold through Oath at oath.vote.
