'The History Boys,' by Alan Bennett, to open at the Broadhurst Theatre

The National Theatre of Great Britain's production of Alan Bennett's The History Boys is to open on Broadway, with the National acting company, on the 23 Apr 2006, following previews from the 14 Apr at the Broadhurst Theatre. The production will run for a 20-week limited engagement

The History Boys originally opened on the 18 May 2004, at the National Theatre, where it quickly became a sold-out, smash hit. The play, directed by the National's artistic director and Tony Award winner Nicholas Hytner, won London's three major theatrical awards: the Olivier, Evening Standard, and London Critics' Circle Awards for Best Play.

The Broadway production will be directed by Simon Cox who will recreate Nicholas Hytner�s direction.

The show opened to rave reviews, Alastair McCauley of The Financial Times wrote "Brilliantly funny, with lines that we will, I hope, quote for years and several show-stopping vignettes," and Charles Spencer of The Daily Telegraph said "This is a wonderful evening, as heart-catching as it is hilarious."

(Click here to read www.londontheatre.co.uk, our sister site, review of the London Production.)

An unruly bunch of bright, funny sixth-form boys in pursuit of sex, sport and a place at university. A maverick English teacher at odds with the young and shrewd supply teacher. A headmaster obsessed with results and a history teacher who thinks he's a fool. Alan Bennett's The History Boys is about staff room rivalry, the anarchy of adolescence and the purpose of education.

The History Boys features scenic and costume design by Tony Award winner Bob Crowley, lighting by Mark Henderson, sound design by Colin Pink, music by Richard Sisson and video direction by Ben Taylor.

The History Boys will be produced by Boyett Ostar productions and the National Theatre of Great Britain under the NTNY (National Theatre New York) banner. The previous NTNY productions are 'Jumpers', 'Democracy' and 'The Pillowman'.

Alan Bennett's previous plays include 'Talking Heads, a collection of of monologues,' 'Habeas Corpus,' 'Kafka's Dick,' 'Prick Up Your Ears,' 'The Madness of King George' and 'The Lady in the Van.'

Ticket information and schedule will be announced in the coming weeks.