The Master Builder: James Naughton to star in new adaptation by Frank McGuiness

Tony Award winning actor James Naughton will headline the cast of The Irish Repertory Theatre's world premiere production of playwright Frank McGuinness' adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's The Master Builder.

James Naughton has won two Tony Awards, the first for his performance as 'Billy Flynn' in Chicago and the second for his performance as 'Stone' in 'City of Angels' (1989).

The cast will also feature Charlotte Parry, Letitia Lange, Kristin Griffith, Daniel Cameron Talbott, Herb Foster and Doug Stender. Ciaran O'Reilly Directs.

Frank McGuinness' adaptation of The Master Builder was commissioned by the Irish Repertory Theatre. Past adaptations of Ibsen's work by McGuinness have been received with much acclaim, including a Tony Award for best revival in 1997 for 'A Doll's House.'

The The Master Builder will open at the Irish Repertory Theatre on 23 Oct 2008, following previews from 10 Oct and run through to 30 Nov 2008.

The Master Builder: Halvard Solness, a successful architect and builder in a small Norwegian town has mercilessly dominated his employees and his wife, Aline. Hilde Wangel, a vivacious young woman arrives unannounced. Hilde has idolized Solness for ten years, since in the early stages of his career, he built a large church in her hometown and heroically climbed to the top of the tower to celebrate its dedication. The architect's presence had a profound effect on the young girl of twelve when he promised to return and, 'build her a kingdom.'� Today, the ten years are up and Hilde has come to reap what he has sown.