As previously reported, Neil Pepe, who directed the recent Broadway revival of Mamet's Speed-The-Plow, will stage the production that will begin previews Sept. 21. Producers have also revealed that A Life in the Theatre will play a limited engagement through Jan. 2, 2011.
Knight, best known for his role on "Grey's Anatomy," will portray John opposite stage veteran Stewart (Macbeth) as Robert. Mamet's piece centers on a seasoned actor and his protégé.
Here's how the new producers bill the play: "A behind-the-scenes peek at the challenge of actors battling to share both a dressing room and the spotlight, A Life in the Theatre follows two actors in a repertory company: Robert, an older, experienced performer and John, a newcomer to the stage. John at first welcomes Robert’s guidance, but soon overshadows his mentor. From rehearsals to reprisals, from ego trips to acting tips, the play gives a glimpse into the complex relationship that develops as the torch is passed from one generation to the next - a passing that wavers from love and mutual respect to impatience and resentment."
 |
 |
|
| Patrick Stewart |
A Life in the Theatre will be produced on Broadway by Jeffrey Richards, Jerry Frankel, Steve Traxler and Debbie Bisno Productions.
A Life in the Theatre made its world premiere at The Goodman Theatre in Chicago in February 1977 with Mike Nussbaum and Joe Mantegna, directed by Gregory Mosher. The play opened Off-Broadway on Oct. 20, 1977, at the Lucille Lortel Theatre and ran for 288 performances. That production was directed by Gerald Gutierrez and starred Peter Evans and Ellis Rabb.
Mamet, the winner of the Pulitzer Prize and New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Glengarry Glen Ross, has also written Sexual Perversity in Chicago, Lakeboat, The Water Engine, The Duck Variations, Reunion, The Blue Hour, The Shawl, Bobby Gould in Hell, Edmond, Romance, November, The Old Neighborhood and the recent adaptation of The Voysey Inheritance, among other plays.
For tickets phone (212) 239-6200, or visit Telecharge. The Schoenfeld Theatre is located at 236 West 45th Street.
