Boeing, Boeing to open at the Longacre on 4 May starring Christine Baranski, Mark Rylance and Bradley Whitford
Christine Baranski, Mark Rylance (Broadway debut) and Bradley Whitford will star in the London smash Boeing Boeing, Marc Camoletti's classic sixties comedy of errors, to be directed by Matthew Warchus, opening at Broadway's Longacre Theatre on 4 May 2008, following previews from 19 Apr 2008.
In Boeing Boeing Bernard, a successful architect living in Paris, thought he could easily cope with his three air hostess fianees. It was all a question of timetables and a reliable, long-suffering housekeeper who reluctantly has the role of romantic air-traffic controller. When old school chum Robert (Mark Rylance) arrives, Bernard relishes the chance to show his wide-eyed friend his first-class operation at work. Unfortunately, schedules change, flights are delayed and a new turbo-charged Boeing aircraft is introduced: chaos ensues in this whirl of mayhem and matchmaking.
The casting of the three flight attendants will be announced shortly.
The New York Post earlier reported that "'Sex and the City' star Sarah Jessica Parker has been offered the role of the sexy Italian airline stewardess in the revival....Parker, who's been looking for a comedy or musical in which to make a triumphant return to Broadway, is seriously considering the offer."
The New York Post also reported that Mary McCormack is to star in the show, but this has not been confirmed.
Boeing Boeing, by Marc Camoletti and translated by Beverley Cross, played at London's Comedy Theatre from 3 Feb 2007 - 5 Jan 2008, to critical acclaim: �Sheer, silly, comic pleasure.� (Evening Standard); �Loving production, achieves a kind of delirium.� (Guardian) and �Refreshingly hilarious.� (Times).
The London production of Boeing Boeing was just honored with two 2008 Oliver Award nominations: Best Revival and Best Actor in a Play, Mark Rylance.
The London cast, also directed by Matthew Warchus, featured Mark Rylance, Roger Allam, Frances De La Tour, Daisy Beaumont, Michelle Gomez and Tamzin Outhwaite.
Boeing Boeing features set and costume design by Rob Howell, lighting by Hugh Vanstone, original music by Claire Van Kampen and sound by Simon Baker.
The London production is being transferred to Broadway by Sonia Friedman Productions/Bob Boyett, Act Productions/Matthew Byam Shaw, Robert G. Bartner and The Weinstein Compa.
Boeing Boeing had its world premiere in London in the 60's, where it played for over 2,000 performances. The show transferred to Broadway in 1965, but ran for only 23 performances.
Tickets go on sale to the general public on 1 Mar 2008.
Mark Rylance (Robert) is making his Broadway debut. He is one of Britain's greatest classical actors. He was the artistic director of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre for ten years from 1996 through 2006 and is an Associate Artist of the RSC. During his career Mark has acted in 48 productions of plays by Shakespeare and his contemporaries. Rylance has starred in productions at the National Theatre, Old Vic, the Royal Court, the Bush and the Tricycle, amongst others. His film and television work includes 'The Government Inspector' in which he played Dr. David Kelly and won a BAFTA award for Best Actor; 'Leonardo,' 'Loving,' 'Love Lies Bleeding' and 'The Grass Arena,' amongst others.
Bradley Whitford's (Bernard) as previously appeared on Broadway in 'A Few Good Men' (1989). Whitford just completed a starring role for the BBC & Alchemy TV in the political mini-series entitled 'Burn Up.' Whitford starred alongside Matthew Perry in Aaron Sorkin's critically acclaimed series 'Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip.' For seven years, Whitford was seen weekly on the celebrated 'The West Wing,' created by Aaron Sorkin. His performance earned him a 2001 Emmy Award as well as Golden Globe Award nominations in 2001 and 2002.
Christine Baranksi's (Bertha) is the winner of Two Tony Awards: the first for her role as Charlotte in The Real Thing (1984), and the second for her portrayal of Chris Gorman in 'Rumour' (1989). Her other Broadway credits include 'Hide and Seek' (1980), Hurlyburly (1984), The House of Blue Leaves (1986) and Nick & Nora (1991). Baranksi is also a Emmy, Screen Actors Guild and American Comedy Award winner.
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