The Philanthropist: Roundabout announces complete cast


Roundabout Theatre Company has announced the complete cast for their new Broadway production of The Philanthropist, by Tony and Academy Award winner Christopher Hampton, directed by David Grindley, opening at the American Airlines Theatre on 26 Apr 2009, following previews from 10 Apr 2009, and running for a limited engagement through to 8 Jun 2009.

Joining the previously announced Tony Award winner Matthew Broderick (Philip),' are Jonathan Cake (Braham), Anna Madeley (Celia), and Steven Weber (Don) The cast also includes Tate Ellington (John), Jennifer Mudge (Araminta) and Samantha Soule (Liz).

The design team will include Tim Shortall (Sets), Tobin Ost (Costumes), Rick Fisher (Lights) and Gregory Clarke (Sound).

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.

Jonathan Cake (Braham) has appeared on Broadway in Lincoln Center�s 'Cymbeline' (Iachimo: 2007 revival) and 'Medea' (Jason: 2002 revival). London theatre includes playing 'Silva Vaccaro' in the National Theatre production of 'Baby Doll,' the title role in 'Coriolanus' at Shakespeare�s Globe.

Anna Madeley (Celia) is making her Broadway debut in the production. Her London stage credits include 'Contractions' and 'Ladybird' (Royal Court); 'Coram Boy' (National Theatre), 'The Philanthropist,' 'The Cosmonauts' and 'Last Message' (Donmar) and 'Roman Actor,' 'The Malcontent,' 'Love In A Wood,' 'A Russian In The Woods,' 'Madness in Valencia,' and 'The Merry Wives of Windsor' (Royal Shakespeare Company / West End).

Steven Weber's (Don) Broadway credits include playing 'Leo Bloom' in 'The Producers' (2001) and 'The Real Thing' (Billy - replacement: 1984). Weber recently starred on Aaron Sorkin's 'Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip.' He also starred in the Stephen King mini-series, 'Desperation' for ABC, Showtime's original film, 'Reefer Madness' and the USA Network's '12 Days of Christmas.' Weber recently returned to the stage, appearing at the Old Vic in London in 'National Anthems.'

Director David Grindley returns to the Roundabout 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.

Tickets go on sale to the general public on 20 Feb 2009.

For further information click here.

Matthew BroderickSteven Weber

Originally published on

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