The play marked Paul Newman's return to the Broadway stage after a 38 year break, during which time he solidified his status a Hollywood legend in such films as "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," "The Verdict," "Absence of Malice," "The Color of Money" and more.

The Broadway cast largely mirrored that of the Westport Country Playhouse, where the production originated last summer. Newman's wife, actress Joanne Woodward, is artistic director of the historic WCP, which was the sole producer of the limited Broadway run.

Paul Newman's return to Broadway prompted the box office for Our Town to boom, with the advance sale at more than $3 million (meaning WCP has recouped its $1 million capitalization).

James Naughton , who directed the production, will direct the television movie, to be filmed this week, according to a show spokesman. No audience will be present and the performers will act on the Booth stage just as they do during regular shows.

Photos by Aubrey Reuben

BOTTOM: (L-R) Maggie Lacey, Paul Newman on his 78th birthday, Ben Fox and cast members at the curtain call of the final performance of Our Town at the Booth Theatre.