Seafarer to play on Broadway from 17 Oct 2007.

The cast has been announced for the Broadway outing of Conor McPherson's drama Seafarer, which played to critical acclaim at London's National Theatre from Sep 2006 - Jan 2007, and was nominated for an Olivier Award for Best New Play.

The production is to open at the Booth Theatre on 15 Nov 2007, following previews from 30 Oct 2007.

The cast will feature Richie Coster, Ciaran Hinds, Conleth Hill, David Morse and Jim Norton and Conleth Hill.

As in the London production, Conor McPherson will direct his play, which tells the story of Sharky (Morse)who has returned to Dublin, on Christmas Eve, to look after his irascible, ageing brother (Norton) who�s recently gone blind. Old drinking buddies Ivan (Hill) and Nicky (Coster) are holed up at the house too, hoping to play some cards. But with the arrival of a stranger (Hinds) from the distant past, the stakes are raised ever higher. In fact, Sharky may be playing for his very soul�

The British press called Seafarer: "Compelling...meticulously-wrought production, the finest ensemble acting in town." ; (Evening Standard); "Sparkling and suspenseful new play" (Guardian); "Making his brilliant National Theatre debut as author and director, Conor McPherson�s new play powerfully recalls Pinter�s The Homecoming" (The Stage).

Jim Norton and Conleth Hill will be reprising their roles which they first created in the London production, for which Norton received the 2007 Olivier Award for Best Performance in a Supporting Role.

The Seafarer marks the fourth Conor McPherson play that Jim Norton has appeared in. He previously appeared in McPherson�s Olivier Award winning 'The Weir' (West End 1998, Broadway 1999), 'Port Authority' (West End 2001), and 'Dublin Carol' (The Atlantic Theatre Company 2003) - for which Norton received an OBIE Award.

Conleth Hill was last seen on Broadway when he starred in 'Stones in His Pockets' (2001) for which he was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Actor in Play. Hill received an Olivier Award for 'Stones in his Pockets', and was nominated for an Olivier for his role as Roger De Bris in the London production of Mel Brook's The Producers (2004). He is currently playing Teterev in Londons National Theatre production of 'Philistines'.

Ciar�n Hinds made his Broadway debut when he played Larry in Patrick Marber's Closer' (1999 originl), a role he also played in London. He is known to TV audiences as �Gaius Julius Caesar� in HBO�s epic drama 'Rome.'

David Morse made his Broadway debut as Father Barry in 'On the Waterfront' (1995). Morse recently received an Emmy nomination for his guest starring role in the hit FOX television series 'House, M.D.'

Richie Coster made his Broadway debut in 'Wait Until Dark' (1998 revival). He last appeared off-Broadway as Teddy Lloyd in the New Group's production of 'The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie' (2006 revival).

Conor McPherson's plays include 'Rum & Vodka', 'The Good Thief', 'This Lime Tree Bower', 'St Nicholas', 'The Weir', 'Dublin Carol', 'Port Authority', and 'Shining City'.

Seafarer features the same creative team as the London production: Set and costume design by Rae Smith; lighing by Neil Austin and sound by Matthew Smethurst-Evans.

Seafarer is the latest National Theatre production to be produced on Broadway by Boyett Ostar Productions. Previous productions include Alan Bennett�s Tony Award-winning 'The History Boys' (2006) directed by NT director, Nicholas Hytner, as well as the recent productions of Coram Boy (2007), Jumpers (2004), Democracy (2004), and The Pillowman (2005).