The New York Times reports that the deal gives the American producer "first rights to transfer [Menier] shows to Broadway." Boyett, in fact, is currently involved in the Menier's upcoming production of the new Richard Maltby, Jr.-David Shire-John Weidman musical Take Flight, which begins previews at the London venue July 13.

As previously announced, the Menier's most acclaimed production — the aforementioned Sunday in the Park with George — will arrive on Broadway Jan. 18, 2008, at Studio 54. Boyett Ostar Productions (Boyett's producing company with fellow producer Bill Haber) is an associate producer of the Roundabout Theatre Company production of the Stephen Sondheim-James Lapine Pulitzer Prize winner.

To date, Boyett Ostar Productions has brought several acclaimed works to Broadway, including Tom Stoppard's Jumpers, Michael Frayn's Democracy, Martin McDonagh's The Pillowman and Alan Bennett's Tony-winning play The History Boys. This season, Boyett Ostar was less successful with short-lived runs of Journey's End and Coram Boy.

The Times says that Boyett's deal with the Menier does not involve producer Haber. In fact, he and Haber, according to the New York daily, will "be working primarily apart after three years of Boyett Ostar." The partnership will continue for projects that have already begun, but Boyett said, "I think our tastes are not always totally in sync. It just seems like the right thing to do. There's no acrimony involved."

David Babani is the artistic director of the Menier Chocolate Factory. For more information visit www.menierchocolatefactory.com.