MTC announces complete casting for The Father

The Manhattan Theatre Club has announced complete casting and a new opening night date for the American premiere of Florian Zeller's new play The Father, translated by two-time Tony winner Christopher Hampton and directed by Tony winner Doug Hughes, which will now officially open on 14 April 2016 (instead of 12 April), following previews from 22 March, and will play a limited engagement through to 12 June 2016 at Broadway's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre.

Joining previously announced three-time Tony winner and Oscar nominee Frank Langella (André) will be Tony nominee Kathryn Erbe (Anne), Brian Avers (Pierre), Charles Borland (Man), Hannah Cabell (Laura) and Liz Wisan (Woman).

Synopsis: "Now 80 years old, André (Langella) was once a tap dancer. He lives with his daughter Anne (Erbe) and her husband Antoine. Or was he an engineer whose daughter Anne lives in London with her new lover, Pierre? The thing is, he is still wearing his pajamas, and he can't find his watch. He is starting to wonder if he's losing control."

The creative team behind The Father has also been announced and features scenic design by Scott Pask, costume design by Catherine Zuber, lighting design by Donald Holder, original music and sound design by Fitz Patton, and illusion consultation by Jim Steinmeyer.

The Manhattan Theatre Club's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre is currently hosting Richard Greenberg's Our Mother's Brief Affair, directed by Lynne Meadow and starring Tony winner Linda Lavin, which continues through to 6 March 2016.

Frank Langella picked up Tony Awards for 'Frost/Nixon' (2007), 'Fortune's Fool' (2002), and 'Seascape' (1975). He also earned nominations for 'Man and Boy' (2012), 'Match' (2004), and 'Dracula' (1978). Other Broadway credits include 'A Man for All Seasons,' 'Present Laughter,' 'Sherlock's Last Case,' 'Hurlyburly,' 'Design For Living,' 'Passion,' 'Amadeus,' 'A Cry of Players,' and 'Yerma.' On screen he earned Academy Award, Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations in 2009 for the film adaptation "Frost/Nixon."

Kathryn Erbe earned a Tony nomination for 'The Speed of Darkness' (1991). Her other Broadway credits include 'The Grapes of Wrath,' and 'A Month in the Country.' Off-Broadway she has appeared in 'The My House Play,' 'Ode to Joy,' 'Checkers,' and 'Nikolai and the Others.' Her most notable screen credits include "What About Bob?," "D2: The Mighty Ducks," "Stir of Echoes," and "Law and Order: Criminal Intent."

- by Tom Millward