Les Liaisons Dangereuses plays final performance on Broadway
The Roundabout's Broadway revival of Christopher Hampton's dark comedy, Les Liaisons Dangereuses plays its final performance at the American Airlines Theatre on 6 Jul 2008 as scheduled. When the comedy closes it will have played 22 previews and 77 regular performances.
Les Liaisons Dangereuse opened at the American Airlines Theatre on 1 May 2008, following previews from 12 Apr 2008.
The play opened to mostly good reviews: "An intelligent script, a riveting plot, elegant language, and dangerous characters." (NY Theatre Guide); "Very imbalanced revival" (NY Times); "What is there not to like?" (NY Post); "Naughty, provocative fun." (USA Today); "Enormously entertaining production." (Associated Press).
Les Liaisons Dangereuses: For long-time friends and occasional lovers Vicomte de Valmont and Marquise de Merteuil, love is simply a game of chess. But in a few false moves, they find themselves locked in the ultimate checkmate. Filled with seduction, betrayal, and plenty of illicit passion, this dark comedy paints the pre-Revolutionary French aristocracy in all its cynicism and decadence.
Directed by Rufus Norris Les Liaisons Dangereuses features Laura Linney (Marquise de Merteuil), Ben Daniels (Le Vicomte de Valmont), Sian Phillips, (Madame De Rosemonde), Mamie Gummer (Cecile Volanges), Kristine Nielsen (Madame De Volanges), Benjamin Walker (Danceny), Rosie Benton as (Emile), Derek Cecil as (Azolan), Jessica Collins (Madame De Tourvel ), Kevin Duda (Servants) and Jane Pfitsch (Servants).
The creative team comprises Scott Pask (sets), Katrina Lindsay (costumes), Donald Holder (lighting) and Paul Arditti (sound).
Hampton's play is based on Choderlos de Laclos's novel of the same name. The play was premiered in London by the RSC at the Ambassadors Theatre in 1985 and won the 1986 Olivier Award for best play. It premiered on Broadway in 1987 at the Music Box Theatre, starring Alan Rickman and Lindsay Duncan.
The 1988 film version of Les Liaisons Dangereuses earned Hampton the 1989 Academy Award for best adaptation, and starred John Malkovich and Glenn Close.
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