Oct. 25 was the date originally announced for the show. Producers later opted for Oct. 26, but they have now reverted the the first date, apparently in deference to the coming Twyla Tharp-Bob Dylan musical The Times They Are A-Changin', which announced a Broadway opening date of Oct. 26.

The League of American Theatres and Producers discourages Broadway shows from sharing an opening night.

The production of Butley has long been expected, and has a history: Nathan Lane starred in a critically acclaimed production of Butley at The Huntington in 2003, also directed by Martin. Producer Elizabeth I. McCann presents the Huntington Theatre Company's production of the play.

No other casting has been announced, but in Boston Lane shared the stage with Benedick Bates, the son of Broadway's original Butley Alan Bates.

The Huntington staging began Oct. 24, 2003, for a run through Nov. 30. Lane played a literary professor who loses his wife and lover in the same day. Very early in his career, Lane acted in the New York premiere of Gray's The Common Pursuit. It was one of the actor's first critical successes. Lane has long had his eye on Butley. In the mid-90s, a production with Lane was talked about for the Roundabout Theatre Company.

The dark comedy premiered at the Morosco Theatre on Broadway Oct. 31, 1972. British thespian Alan Bates, who originated the title role in the Harold Pinter-directed London production, reprised his portrayal to Tony-Award winning success.