The play, originally seen at Chichester's Minerva Theatre last year, is directed by Nancy Meckler and also features Lydia Leonard as Jackie Kennedy and Anna Francolini as Maria Callas. Prior to London, it will play at the Derby Theatre from Sept. 9-25. The Chichester Festival Theatre production in association with Derby Live will be presented in London by Aukin/Vogel for DAP Ltd, Playful Productions, Act Productions and Bob Bartner.

The play tells the story of the last years in the life of Aristotle Onassis, and of his passionate and interwoven relationships with Jackie Kennedy and Maria Callas, and his son Alexandros. Based on material from Peter Evans’ book "Nemesis," Onassis is described in press materials as being an account of how those in positions of enormous power and wealth often live lives detached from the realities and moral codes of everyday existence.

Lindsay is best known for his TV roles that include the ongoing BBC series "My Family" with Zoë Wanamaker, as well as "Citizen Smith," "Jake's Progress" and "GBH"; for the latter he won a BAFTA Award for Best Actor. His films include "Divorcing Jack," "Genghis Cohn" and "Remember Me." His extensive stage credits include London productions of The Entertainer, Richard III, Oliver! (winning the Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical in the latter) and Me and My Girl (Olivier for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Musical, and the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical when it transferred to Broadway).

Leonard has an extensive television career, recently including "Ashes to Ashes," "Casualty 1907," "The Long Walk to Finchley" and "The 39 Steps"; stage credits include appearances with both the RSC and National, as well as appearing in Frost/Nixon at the Donmar Warehouse.

Francolini was last seen on the London stage in Alan Ayckbourn's own production of Taking Steps at the Orange Tree. Other stage credits include Merrily We Roll Along and Company (both at the Donmar Warehouse) and Caroline or Change at the National Theatre, whilst her television work includes "This is Dom Joly" and "Jonathan Creek." The cast will also include Tom Austen, Liz Crowther, Ben Grove, Robert Hastie, John Hodgkinson, Sue Kelvin, Graeme Taylor and Gawn Grainger.

Sherman's other plays include Bent (subsequently filmed), When She Danced and Messiah, as well as the revised Broadway book for The Boy from Oz and the screenplays for "Alive and Kicking" and "Mrs. Henderson Presents."

Meckler, who is artistic director of Shared Experience, has recently directed the RSC productions of The Comedy of Errors and Romeo and Juliet.

The production is designed by Katrina Lindsay, with lighting by Ben Ormerod, music by Ilona Sekacz, sound by John Leonard, video and projection design by Lorna Heavey, choreography by Lizzi Gee and casting by Gabrielle Dawes CDG.

To book tickets, contact the box office on 0844 482 5170 or visit www.onassistheplay.com.