The Seafarer: Sean Mahon replaces the previously announced Ritchie Coster.

Sean Mahon has replaced the previously announced Ritchie Coster in the Broadway production of Conor McPherson's drama The Seafarer, which is to open at the Booth Theatre on 15 Nov 2007. The play will now preview from 31 Oct 2007, and not the 30 Oct as originally scheuled.

Mahon will be making his Broadway debut in the production, playing the role of Nicky Giblin. According to a press release, 'Coster' withdrew from the production "due to scheduling conflicts."

The cast will also feature Ciaran Hinds as Mr. Lockhart, Conleth Hill as Ivan Curry, David Morse as James 'Sharky' Harkin and Jim Norton as Richard Harkin.

Jim Norton and Conleth Hill will be reprising their roles which they first created in the London production, for which Norton received the 2007 Olivier Award for Best Performance in a Supporting Role.

As in the London production, Conor McPherson will direct his play, which tells the story of Sharky (Morse)who has returned to Dublin, on Christmas Eve, to look after his irascible, ageing brother (Norton) who�s recently gone blind. Old drinking buddies Ivan (Hill) and Nicky (Coster) are holed up at the house too, hoping to play some cards. But with the arrival of a stranger (Hinds) from the distant past, the stakes are raised ever higher. In fact, Sharky may be playing for his very soul�

The Seafarer played to critical acclaim at London's National Theatre from Sep 2006 - Jan 2007, and was nominated for an Olivier Award for Best New Play.

The British press called Seafarer: "Compelling...meticulously-wrought production, the finest ensemble acting in town." ; (Evening Standard); "Sparkling and suspenseful new play" (Guardian); "Making his brilliant National Theatre debut as author and director, Conor McPherson�s new play powerfully recalls Pinter�s The Homecoming" (The Stage).

The Seafarer marks the fourth Conor McPherson play that Jim Norton has appeared in. He previously appeared in McPherson�s Olivier Award winning 'The Weir' (West End 1998, Broadway 1999), 'Port Authority' (West End 2001), and 'Dublin Carol' (The Atlantic Theatre Company 2003) - for which Norton received an OBIE Award.

Seafarer features the same creative team as the London production: Set and costume design by Rae Smith; lighting by Neil Austin and sound by Matthew Smethurst-Evans.

Seafarer is the latest National Theatre production to be produced on Broadway by Boyett Ostar Productions. Previous productions include Alan Bennett�s Tony Award-winning 'The History Boys' (2006) directed by NT director, Nicholas Hytner, as well as the recent productions of Coram Boy (2007), Jumpers (2004), Democracy (2004), and The Pillowman (2005).