London Guys and Dolls Recoups; Is Broadway Next?

By Robert Simonson
13 Oct 2005

The much-buzzed-about London revival of Guys and Dolls, starring Ewan McGregor and Jane Krakowski, has recouped its $5.24 million investment in a speedy 17 weeks, Variety reported.

The staging has been a huge box-office success, no doubt partly due to the presence of its stars. The show opened June 1 at the Piccadilly. Michael Grandage directs.

"Guys and Dolls" is produced by Howard Panter for Ambassador Theatre Group and David Ian for Clear Channel Entertainment. Another producer is American Arielle Tepper. According to the Variety article, the backers plan to open the show on Broadway in fall of 2006.

Guys and Dolls was last brought to Broadway in 1992. Jerry Zaks directed a cast which featured Nathan Lane, Faith Prince, Peter Gallagher and Jose de Guzman.

Nigel Harman, a star from the U.K. soap series “EastEnders,” will play Sky Masterson beginning Dec. 5, replacing McGregor. He’ll be joining another soap star, Sarah Lancashire (best-known as Raquel in “Coronation Street”) as Miss Adelaide. The current Nathan Detroit is Douglas Hodge.

Harman is not a musicals novice. He has previously appeared in Mamma Mia!, Tommy and Privates on Parade (at the Donmar, also directed by Michael Grandage).