Ruth Wilson to star in Broadway's Constellations

The Manhattan Theatre Club have announced that two-time Olivier Award winner Ruth Wilson will star alongside previously announced Oscar nominee Jake Gyllenhaal in the Broadway premiere of Nick Payne's play Constellations, beginning previews at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre from 16 December 2014, officially opening on 13 January 2015 and booking through to 15 March 2015.

Ruth Wilson will be making her Broadway debut. She won Olivier Awards for her portrayal of Stella in 2009's 'A Streetcar Named Desire' at the Donmar Warehouse, and for her performance in the title role of 2011's 'Anna Christie' also at the Donmar Warehouse. Other West End and off-West End credits include 'Philistines' at the National Theatre and 'Through a Glass Darkly' at Almeida Theatre. She was also nominated for BAFTA and Golden Globe Awards for playing the title role in the 2006 TV adaptation of 'Jane Eyre'. Other screen credits include 'Luther', 'Anna Karenina', 'The Lone Ranger', and 'Saving Mr. Banks'.

In a joint venture with London's Royal Court Theatre, and by special arrangement with Ambassador Theatre Group and Dodger Properties, the production will be directed by Michael Longhurt, reuniting with author Nick Payne and actor Jake Gyllenhaal who previously collaborated on the American premiere of 'If There Is I Haven't Found It Yet' at the Roundabout's off-Broadway space. This new production will also mark the Broadway debuts of all three artists.

"One relationship. Infinite possibilities." Constellations is described as "an explosive new play about the boundless potential of a first encounter, free will, and friendship".

Constellations originally opened at the Royal Court's Jerwood Theatre Upstairs in January 2012 under the direction of Michael Longhurst. The New York Times said "This superb play gets into your head and under your skin," and The New Yorker said "Constellations is at once eloquent, mysterious, witty, and brilliant." The play subsequently transferred to the West End and won the Evening Standard Award for Best Play and received an Olivier Award nomination for Best Play.

Jake Gyllenhall is an Academy Award and Golden Globe nominee whose film credits include 'Brokeback Mountain', 'End of Watch', 'Donnie Darko' and Ed Zwick's 'Love and Other Drugs'. He made his New York stage debut in 2012 starring in 'If There Is I Haven't Found It Yet', for the Roundabout Theatre Company and starred in Kenneth Lonergan's revival of 'This is Our Youth' on London's West End, for which he won an Evening Standard Theater Award for Outstanding Newcomer.

Additional casting and creative team details will be announced shortly.

- by Tom Millward