Jonathan Groff, Rutina Wesley Join Cast of ‘The Submission’

Can you imagine a shriller scream fest than a ‘Glee’-‘True Blood’ crossover event? Before the furious tweeting and ‘omg’s get completely out of hand, I need to shut down the rumor mill by saying that isn’t happening, but principle actors Jonathan Groff (Glee’s Jesse St. James) and Rutina Wesley (True Blood’s Tara Thornton) have joined forces to star in the upcoming Off-Broadway play ‘The Submission.’ The play will be directed by Tony winner Walter Bobbie (Chicago) and debut September 26 at the Lucille Lortel Theater. Preview performances open September 8. Currently, it is scheduled for a 4-week run , closing October 22.

Jonathan Groff made a name for himself on Broadway with his Tony nominated performance in ‘Spring Awakening.’ I’m sure starring across from Lea Michele didn’t hurt to get him that cush guest spot as the Vocal Adrenaline heartbreaker on ‘Glee.’ In addition to plotting and scheming on ‘Glee,’ Groff has also starred as Dionysus in ‘The Bacchae’ in Central Park in 2009, and took a turn on the West End in the 2010 revival of ‘Deathtrap.’ Rutina Wesley isn’t a stranger to Broadway either. She stared in ‘The Vertical Hour’ in 2006 as well as the Public Theatre’s staging of ‘In Darfur’ the following year.

Jeff Talbot’s ‘The Submission’ focuses on an aspiring playwright, Danny (Groff), who writes a new play about an alcoholic mother trying to get her son out of the projects. The problem is Danny’s psuedonyn Shaleeha G’ntamboli isn’t quite as authentic as she’s presented which kicks up a torrent of lies that Danny struggles to contain. Will Rogers (When the Rain Stops Falling) and Eddie Kaye Thomas (American Pie) will take on supporting roles. ‘The Submission’ is Talbot’s playwrighting debut.

The MCC Theatre will be staging ‘The Submission’ which also features ‘Wild Animals You Should Know’ and ‘Carrie: The Musical’ premiering during the 2011-12 season.