The Country Girl to open on Broadway in Apr 2008,starring Morgan Freeman, Frances McDormandand Peter Gallagher

A press release has officially confirmed that Mike Nichols will return to Broadway next year to direct Morgan Freeman, Frances McDormand and Peter Gallagher in Clifford Odets�s The Country Girl. The production is planned to open at a Shubert theatre in April 2008.

The first major New York production in more than thirty years, The Country Girl tells the story of washed up actor Frank Elgin (Morgan Freeman) who is provided an oppurtunity to make a come-back when director Bernie Dodd (Peter Gallagher) offers him the leading role in his next Broadway play. However, under the pressure of reviving his career, Frank seeks solace in alcohol, thus forcing his wife Georgie (Frances McDormand) to try and keep her husband focused on his career. Dodd believes that it is Frank's domineering wife that is the cause of his leading man's personal difficulties and so decides to take matters in hand...."

Morgan Freeman last appeared on Broadway in 'The Gospel at Colonus' (1988), his other Broadway credits include: 'The Mighty Gents' (1978), 'Purlie' (1970), 'The Dozens' (1969) and 'Hello, Dolly! (1964).' Freeman has featured in many films, but is currently known to film buff's everywhere for playing "God" in the comedy movie 'Even Almighty'.

Frances McDormand last appeared on Broadway as Stella Kowalski in 'A Streetcar Named Desire' (1988 revival) for which she was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play. her other Broadway credit was for 'Awake and Sing!' (1984 revival). McDormand received the Academy Award for Leading Actress for her performance as �Marge Gunderson� in 'Fargo'. She is the recipient of three additional nominations for 'Mississippi Burning', 'Almost Famous' and 'North Country'.

Peter Gallagher was last seen on Broadway in 'Noises Off' (2001 revival). His other Broadway credits include: 'Guys and Dolls' (1992), 'Long Day's Journey Into Night' (1986 revival), 'The Real Thing' (1984), 'The Corn Is Green' (1983 revival), 'A Doll's Life' (1982), 'Grease' (1972). His many film credits include: 'The Idolmaker', 'Dream Child', 'To Gillian on Her 37th Birthday', and the Academy Award winning film 'American Beauty'.

Director Mike Nichols, Academy Award-winner and eight-time Tony Award-winner, most recently for the smash hit musical Monty Python�s Spamalot, recently completed filming Charlie Wilson�s War with Tom Hanks, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Julia Roberts. The Country Girl is one of two plays that Nichols is to direct on Broadway this season. The second play will be Beau Willimon's political drama 'Farragut North', in which it is rumored that Jake Gyllenhaal (Brokeback Mountain) will make his Broadway debut.

Tony and Olivier Award winner Tim Hatley will design the sets and costumes.

One of Clifford Odets�s last plays, The Country Girl premiered to on Broadway in 1950. A movie version of the drama was released in 1954 and received two Academy Awards.

The Country Girl will be produced on Broadway by Ostar Productions and Bob Boyett.

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  Morgan Freeman Frances McDormand Peter Gallagher