The Philanthropist: Matthew Broderick to star in revival of Christopher Hampton's comedy

Roundabout Theatre Company has announced that Tony Award winner Matthew Broderick will star as 'Philip' in a new Broadway production of The Philanthropist by Tony and Academy Award winner Christopher Hampton, directed by David Grindley.

The comedy will open at the American Airline Theatre on 26 Apr 2009, following previews from 10 Apr 2009, for a limited engagement.

Additional cast members and the design team will be announced shortly.

Written as a response to Moli�re's 'The Misanthrope,' Hampton�s bourgeois comedy examines the empty, insular lives of college intellectuals. At the center of the story is 'Philip' (Broderick), a professor who seems almost absurdly removed from the political turmoil surrounding him, including the assassination of the Prime Minister and his cabinet.

Stage veteran and 2-time Tony winner Matthew Broderick - 'The Producers' (2001), 'How to Succeed in Business...' (1995 revival) - returns to Roundabout Theatre Company following the 2004 Off-Broadway production of 'The Foreigner' at the Laura Pels Theatre.

Director David Grindley also returns following his acclaimed 2007 production of 'Pygmalion' (2007 revival) starring Claire Danes and Jefferson Mays.

Roundabout continues their relationship with Christopher Hampton following the recent Tony nominated Broadway production of 'Les Liaisons Dangereuses' (2008 revival) starring Laura Linney and Ben Daniels.

The Philanthropist premiered at the Royal Court Theatre in 1970. It opened on Broadway at the Ethal Barrymore Theatre in 1971 and was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Play.

For further information click here.