Mike Burstyn, whose Broadway credits include Barnum and Ain’t Broadway Grand, starred in the New York premiere of Lansky, which began previews at the St. Luke’s Theatre on Jan. 23, 2009, was penned by Joseph Bologna and Richard Krevolin.  Lansky — about the life of mobster Meyer Lansky – starred the legendary American and Israeli star Mike Burstyn and officially opened Feb. 5, 2009. Bologna also directed. (Lansky CLOSED April 30, 2009)

About The Play: Lansky, The Story of the Brains Behind the Mob was the American premiere of a new play about Meyer Lansky, the infamous ganster and gambler and complicated man who masterminded some of the most ingenious wealth managenent systems for his gangland brethren. And, like so many ambitious first generation Americans had to wonder if his ill-gotten gains were going to send him to hell or up the river. The play also dealt with Lansky’s little-known efforts to become an Israeli citizen and used his life story as a crucible to explore Jewish identity and the choices first-generation Americans made in order to achieve wealth and success. This tour-de-force starred the legendary Mike Burstyn who was recently seen in New York in On 2nd Avenue, for which he received his second Drama Desk nomination. Mr. Burstyn has been acclaimed on and off Broadway in Barnum, Jolson, and The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife and is the recipient of 3 Israeli “Oscars.”

The play is directed by Joseph Bologna who is best known for his classic comedies such as Made For Each Other and Lovers & Other Strangers written with his wife, Renee Taylor (Mom on TV’s “The Nanny”). Lansky CLOSED April 30, 2009