Tony Noms Janney and Daniels Featured in Mendes Film "Away We Go," Opening in NY/LA June 5

By Ernio Hernandez
05 Jun 2009

Sam Mendes
Sam Mendes
photo by François Duhamel

Current Tony Award nominees Allison Janney and Jeff Daniels as well as additional stage stars appear in "Away We Go," the new movie directed by Sam Mendes that opens June 5 in New York and Los Angeles.

First-time screenwriters (and novelists) Dave Eggers and Vendela Vida penned the script for the film, which will open in additional cities June 12.

John Krasinski ("The Office," "Leatherheads") and Maya Rudolph ("Saturday Night Live") star as Burt and Verona, a couple about to have a baby who learn that Burt's parents plan to leave their current hometown. With no real reason to stay, the young duo set off on a journey to find a perfect home to start their family.

Tony nominees Janney (9 to 5) and Daniels (God of Carnage) are featured in the ensemble cast that also includes Maggie Gyllenhaal (Uncle Vanya), Josh Hamilton (The Coast of Utopia), Chris Messina (Salome) as well as Catherine O'Hara, Jim Gaffigan, Carmen Ejogo, Melanie Lynskey and Paul Schneider. Stephanie Kurtzuba (Billy Elliot, The Musical) also makes an appearance.

John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph with "Away We Go" director Sam Mendes
photo by François Duhamel
Director Mendes has enjoyed a career that has spanned both stage and screen. He recently staged The Bridge Project productions of The Winter's Tale and The Cherry Orchard and has directed Broadway's Cabaret, The Blue Room and Gypsy. His film credits include "American Beauty," "Revolutionary Road," "Jarhead" and "The Road to Perdition."

For more information, visit FilmInFocus.com/AwayWeGo.

Allison Janney, Jeff Daniels and Maggie Gyllenhaal in "Away We Go"
Allison Janney, Jeff Daniels and Maggie Gyllenhaal in "Away We Go"
photo by François Duhamel