Civilians get commerical run 'Gone Missing' set for Barrow Street Theater

by Gordon Cox

Downtown docu-legit troupe The Civilians gets its first commercial Off Broadway run with a return of its show "Gone Missing," set for a summer engagement at the Barrow Street Theater.

Company has attracted attention for productions, often with musical numbers, based on research and interviews about a particular topic. Shows include "The Ladies," "(I Am) Nobody's Lunch" and "Canard, Canard, Goose?"

"Missing," whose earliest incarnation was performed in late 2001, tackles the subject of loss by chronicling the stories of lost objects along with those of the people, such as a cop or a pet psychic, who find them. Created collaboratively with the company, the show is directed by Civilians founder Steve Cosson. Composer-lyricist Michael Friedman provides the songs.

Scott Morfee, who programs the Barrow Street, and Tom Wirtshafter produce the show at the theater, where "No Child..." shutters June 3 before launching its tour.

"Missing" begins previews June 14 for a June 24 opening.