Shakespeare in the Beaumont: Cymbeline Opens on Broadway Dec. 2

By Andrew Gans
December 2, 2007

Lincoln Center Theater's star-studded production of William Shakespeare's Cymbeline officially opens at the Vivian Beaumont Theater Dec. 2. Previews began Nov. 1.

Directed by Mark Lamos, the cast of 26 features Jonathan Cake (Medea opposite Fiona Shaw), Michael Cerveris (Tony Award for Assassins), John Cullum (Tony Awards for Shenandoah and On the Twentieth Century), John Pankow (Twelve Angry Men), Martha Plimpton (Tony nomination for The Coast of Utopia) and Phylicia Rashad (Tony Award for A Raisin in the Sun).

The ensemble comprises Jeff Bender, Daniel Breaker, Anthony Cochrane, Noshir Dalal, Adam Dannheisser, Jordan Dean, Herb Foster, David Furr, Adam Greer, Michael Howell, Ezra Knight, LeRoy McClain, Paul O'Brien, Daniel Oreskes, Gordana Rashovich, Nancy Rodriguez, Michael Rossmy, Richard Topol, Gregory Wooddell and Jeff Woodman.

Cymbeline, according to press notes, "combines comedy, tragedy and history into an epic tale of power and magic — its action sweeping across Britain and Italy, as two warring powers clash until its eventual joyful conclusion. The characters [include] a Lear-like monarch (John Cullum), a wicked queen (Phylicia Rashad), an Iago-like villain (Jonathan Cake), a deceived husband (Michael Cerveris), his loyal servant (John Pankow) and a heroine, the king's daughter Imogen, Shakespeare's last great female role (Martha Plimpton)."

The design team comprises Michael Yeargan (sets), Jess Goldstein (costumes), Brian MacDevitt (lighting) and Tony Smolenski IV and Walter Trarbach (sound). Original music was penned by Mel Marvin.

Lincoln Center Theater's 2007-2008 season will also include a new production of South Pacific. Bartlett Sher will direct the latter, which is scheduled to begin previews March 1, 2008. The cast of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic will include Kelli O'Hara as Nellie Forbush, Paulo Szot as Emile de Becque and Loretta Ables Sayre as Bloody Mary.

Cymbeline plays Tuesday-Saturday at 8 PM with matinees Wednesday and Saturday at 2 PM and Sunday at 3 PM.

Tickets, priced $65-$90, are available by calling (212) 239-6200 or by visiting www.lct.org.