The darkly comic autobiographical play, created and performed by actress-writer Carrie Fisher and directed by Tony Taccone, has been a hit in regional theatres for more than a year.
Wishful Drinking will begin previews on Sept. 22 toward an Oct. 4 opening at Studio 54 on Broadway (254 West 54th St). The limited engagement will play through Jan. 3, 2010.
Alexander V. Nichols will provide scenic, lighting and projection design.
According to the producing partners, "In Wishful Drinking, Carrie Fisher recounts the true and intoxicating tale of her life as a Hollywood legend, told with the same wry wit she poured into bestsellers like 'Postcards from the Edge.' The daughter of Eddie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds, Carrie Fisher became a cultural icon when she starred as Princess Leia in the first 'Star Wars' trilogy at 19 years old. Forever changed, Carrie's life did not stay picture perfect. Fisher is the life of the party in this uproarious and sobering look at her Hollywood hangover."
Wishful Drinking premiered in November 2006 at the Geffen Playhouse and enjoyed an extended engagement there through January 2007. Following that premiere, the show has completed hot-selling runs at a number of not-for-profit regional theatres including Berkeley Repertory Theatre (February 2008), Arena Stage (September 2008), Huntington Theatre Company (October 2008) and Seattle Repertory Theatre (April 2009). Fisher, the daughter of Eddie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds, made her feature film debut opposite Warren Beatty in the 1975 hit "Shampoo." She became a cultural icon when she played Princess Leia in the original "Star Wars" trilogy. Her career includes roles in countless films such as "The Blues Brothers," "The Burbs," "Charlie's Angels," "Garbo Talks," "Hannah and Her Sisters," "The Man with One Red Shoe," "This is My Life" and "When Harry Met Sally."
Her bestselling books include "Postcards from the Edge," "Delusions of Grandma," "Surrender the Pink," "The Best Awful" and "Wishful Drinking." Fisher turned "Postcards" into a screenplay for the hit film starring Shirley MacLaine and Meryl Streep, and is currently adapting "The Best Awful" for Lifetime & Sony television with producers Bruce Cohen and Dan Jinks.
Her experiences with addiction and bipolar disorder — and her willingness to speak honestly and candid about them — have made her a sought-after speaker and respected advocate for these communities.
Taccone is completing his 12th year as artistic director of Berkeley Repertory Theatre, where he has staged more than 35 shows including world premieres by Culture Clash, Rinde Eckert, David Edgar, Danny Hoch, Geoff Hoyle, Quincy Long and Itamar Moses. Taccone made his Broadway debut with another solo show, Bridge & Tunnel, which was universally lauded by the critics and won a Tony Award for its star, Sarah Jones. He commissioned Tony Kushner's legendary Angels in America, co-directed its world premiere at the Mark Taper Forum, and has collaborated with Kushner on seven projects. Their production of Brundibar featured designs by beloved children's author Maurice Sendak; it debuted at Berkeley Rep and then traveled to Yale Repertory Theatre in New Haven and the New Victory Theatre in New York, where it sold out its run and was nominated for two Drama Desk Awards.
Wishful Drinking will play Tuesday through Saturday evenings at 8 PM with Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 PM.
Tickets will go on sale to the general public in July. Prices range from $31.50-$111.50.
Tickets are available exclusively to Roundabout subscribers by calling Roundabout Ticket Services at (212) 719-1300 and online at www.roundabouttheatre.org.
