The Philanthropist concludes its
limited engagement on Broadway

The Philanthropist opened at the American Airlines Theatre on 26 Apr 2009, following previews from 10 Apr 2009, for a limited enagement through to 28 Jun 2009.

Written as a response to Molière's 'The Misanthrope,' Hampton’s bourgeois comedy examines the empty, insular lives of college intellectuals. At the center of the story is 'Philip' (Broderick), a professor who seems almost absurdly removed from the political turmoil surrounding him, including the assassination of the Prime Minister and his cabinet.

The comedy opened to mostly poor reviews: "a moribund revival" (NY Times); "it's hard to be generous about this zzzz-inducing Roundabout revival" (NY Daily News); "No sparks ignite" (Bloomberg); "the play sits inertly, its poignancy lost and its clever dialogue hollowed into empty banter" (Variety).

Directed by David Grindley, the cast features Tony Award winner Matthew Broderick (Philip), Jonathan Cake (Braham), Anna Madeley (Celia), Steven Weber (Don), Tate Ellington (John), Jennifer Mudge (Araminta) and Samantha Soule (Liz).

The design team includes Tim Shortall (Sets), Tobin Ost (Costumes), Rick Fisher (Lights) and Gregory Clarke (Sound).

The Philanthropist premiered at the Royal Court Theatre in 1970. It opened on Broadway at the Ethal Barrymore Theatre in 1971 and was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Play.