The Pitmen Painters, which was seen on Broadway in 2010, received the 2009 Olivier Award for Best Play. Leslie Martinson will direct the TheatreWorks production that will officially open Jan. 21, 2012, for a run through Feb. 12, 2012.

The cast will include Paul Whitworth, James Carpenter, Jackson Davis, Dan Hiatt, Patrick Jones, Marcia Pizzo, Nicholas Pelczar and Kathryn Zdan.

According to TheatreWorks, "When miners George, Jimmy, Harry, and Oliver decide to sign up for art appreciation classes, they’re disappointed when the seemingly stuffy Professor Lyon shows up. After a few false starts (and some impertinent remarks), Lyon realizes his pupils would better appreciate art through experience rather than book learning. The professor drops the art history lessons and encourages the men to put their thoughts on canvas, with extraordinary results. As the upper echelon of English society turns its eyes toward the grubby group of men and their awe-inspiring work, the miners-cum-artists learn to assert themselves in the face of class prejudice. In an age where liberal arts education is often on the chopping block, The Pitmen Painters boldly explores how art inspires individuals and ultimately elevates a community."

Designing The Pitmen Painters are Andrea Bechert (set design), B. Modern (costume design), Steven B. Mannshardt (lighting design) and Jim Gross (projection design).

Hall is the Tony and Academy Award-winning writer of Billy Elliot. He is also at work writing a musical based on the life of Billy Elliot collaborator and music icon Elton John. He also co-wrote the screenplay for Stephen Spielberg's film "War Horse." For tickets phone (650) 463-1960 or visit TheatreWorks.

TheatreWorks' Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts is located at 500 Castro Street (at Mercy) in Mountain View, CA.