New York City - Second Stage Theatre (Carole Rothman, Artistic Director) has announced that David Garrison will complete the cast of Lynn Nottage's new play, "By The Way, Meet Vera Stark." This world premiere comedy will also feature the previously announced Stephanie J. Block, Daniel Breaker, Kimberly Herbert Gregory, Kevin Isola, Sanaa Lathan and Karen Olivo. Directed by Jo Bonney, "By The Way, Meet Vera Stark" is Nottage's first play to be produced in New York since she won the Pulitzer Prize for "Ruined" in 2009. The production will begin preview performances on April 6, 2011 and officially open on May 9, 2011 at Second Stage's Tony Kiser Theater (305 West 43rd Street).

Garrison has appeared on Broadway in "A Day in Hollywood/A Night in the Ukraine" (Tony Nomination), "Wicked" (Carbonell Award), "Titanic," "Torch Song Trilogy," "The Pirates of Penzance," and "Bells Are Ringing." Off-Broadway: "Middletown," "New Jerusalem," "I Do! I Do!" (Drama Desk nomination), "The Torch Bearers," "Geniuses," "It's Only a Play." Television: "The West Wing," "Law and Order," "The Practice," "Everybody Loves Raymond," "NYPD Blue," "Murphy Brown," "Murder She Wrote," "LA Law," Steve Rhoades on "Married With Children." David's voice is currently playing on Broadway as the radio announcer in "That Championship Season."

In a new comedy from the Pulitzer-Prize winning playwright of "Ruined," Nottage draws upon the screwball films of the 1930s to take a funny and irreverent look at racial stereotypes in Hollywood. "By The Way, Meet Vera Stark" is a 70 year journey through the life of Vera Stark (Lathan), a headstrong African-American maid and budding actress, and her tangled relationship with her boss, a white Hollywood star (Stephanie J. Block) desperately grasping to hold on to her career. When circumstances collide and both women land roles in the same Southern epic, the story behind the cameras leaves Vera with a surprising and controversial legacy scholars will debate for years to come.

"By The Way, Meet Vera Stark" will feature scenic design by Neil Patel, lighting design by Jeff Croiter, costume design by ESosa and original music and sound design by John Gromada.

"By The Way, Meet Vera Stark" will be performed through May 22 on the following schedule: Tuesday at 7 p.m., Wednesday to Saturday at 8 p.m., Wednesday and Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m.

The following exceptions will be made to the regular performance schedule:

 • Wednesday, April 6 - no 2 p.m. performance
 • Sunday, April 10 - 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. performances
 • Wednesday, April 13 - no 2 p.m. performance
 • Sunday, April 17 - 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. performances
 • Monday, May 9 - 6:30 p.m. performance (opening night)
 • Tuesday, May 10 - no performance

All evening performances Tuesday through Friday the week of May 2 will begin at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $75 and may be purchased by phoning 212-246-4422 or 800-766-6048 or online at www.2ST.com.

$30 under 30 Youth Advance Tickets Available - patrons age 30 and under may purchase a limited number of specially-priced $30 tickets in advance. Proof of age must be shown at the box office.

A limited number of student rush tickets are $18 and are available one hour prior to curtain.