Forest Whitaker-led Hughie to close early on Broadway

The Broadway revival of Eugene O'Neill's Hughie will close early, now ending its limited run on 27 March 2016. Previews began at the Booth Theatre on 8 February 2016 and officially opened on 25 February to mixed reviews. It was originally scheduled to run through to 12 June 2016. Upon closing, the production will have played 55 performances in total.

Synopsis: "1928. New York City. A hotel lobby. A small-time gambler and big-time drinker makes his way back to Room 492. With a new night clerk on duty, he is forced to confront his personal demons and discover the real end to his own story. Hughie is a rarely seen theatrical masterpiece about the loneliness and redemption of one man chasing the American Dream."

The cast of Hughie includes Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker, who will be making his Broadway debut as Erie Smith, and Tony winner Frank Wood (Night Clerk). The production is directed by Tony Award winner Michael Grandage.

The creative team features the Tony-winning designers behind Grandage's Tony-winning production of 'Red': scenic and costume design by Christopher Oram, lighting design by Neil Austin and sound design by Adam Cork.

Hughie premiered on Broadway in 1964, earning Jason Robards a Tony nomination for Best Actor in a Play. It was then revived in 1975, this time earning Ben Gazzara a Tony nod in the same category. The last Broadway revival was staged in 1996 at the Circle in the Square. It starred and was directed by Al Pacino.

Forest Whitaker won an Oscar, Golden Globe and BAFTA in 2007 for "The Last King of Scotland." He also received a Golden Globe nomination for "Bird" in 1989. His many screen credits include "Southpaw," "Taken 3," "Black Nativity," "The Butler," "Fast Times at Ridgemont High," "Platoon," "The Color of Money," "Ready to Wear," "Smoke," "Good Morning Vietnam," "The Crying Game," "Panic Room," "Where The Wild Things Are," "The Great Debaters," and "Phone Booth," amongst many others.

Frank Wood won a Tony Award in 1999 for 'Side Man.' His other Broadway credits include 'Clybourne Park,' 'Born Yesterday,' 'August: Osage County,' and 'Hollywood Arms.' Off-Broadway credits include 'The Nether,' 'King Lear,' 'Spring Awakening,' and 'The Wax,' amongst others. Notable screen credits "Changeling," "Michael Clayton," and "The Royal Tenenbaums."

- by Tom Millward