A production spokesperson for Yasmina Reza's The Unexpected Man has confirmed that performances are scheduled to begin at Roundabout's Gramercy Theatre on or about Jan. 14.

The confirmation follows recent reports in the press that the show is scheduled to begin once a male lead has been signed to star opposite Eileen Atkins, who created her role in London last year.

Last year, Atkins' London co-star, British actor Michael Gambon, was briefly considered for the New York run of The Unexpected Man, but he has not been associated with the project since.

Recent speculation about Atkins' possible co-stars included one industry trade report that named Ben Gazzara was a candidate. Previously, Nick Nolte had been connected to the Reza project.

As reported earlier by Playbill On-Line, any concrete developments seem unlikely until producer Elizabeth McCann is back in New York. McCann is in London working on A Saint She Ain't which opens at the Apollo Sept. 22 after moving from the King's Head Theatre. -- By Murdoch McBride