Sam Mendes' last Donmar season marks the tenth anniversary of his stewardship of the Covent Garden playhouse, and the "birthday season" has three distinct sections: American Imports 2002: a five month Festival of American Premieres: March to July; Divas At The Donmar a fifth consecutive cabaret season: August; Sam Mendes directs Shakespeare/Chekhov double-bill: September to November.
American Imports 2002 will include two World premieres, two UK premieres and one London premiere and highlights the extraordinary depth of talent and range of voices emerging in U.S. theatre. Although the plays share a common origin, the sweep of subject and form is immense.
Jesus Hopped The A Train
London Premiere
By Stephen Adly Guirgis
Directed by Philip Seymour Hoffman
March 6-30.
Frame 312
World Premiere
By Keith Reddin
Directed by Josie Rourke
March 11-30.
Lobby Hero
UK Premiere
By Kenneth Lonergan
Directed by Mark Brokaw
Proof
UK Premiere
By David Auburn
Directed by John Madden
May 9 to June 15
Take Me Out
World Premiere
By Richard Greenberg
June 20-Aug. 3
Divas at the Donmar
Fifth Anniversary Season
The 2002 season will feature Philip Quast (the Donmar's The Fix and soon to lead in the National Theatre's South Pacific) and include, as before, a group of some of the most exciting and innovative cabaret artistes from both sides of the Atlantic.
Uncle Vanya/Twelfth Night
Sept. 5 to Nov. 30 in repertory. Press nights yet to be announced. The cast, yet to be confirmed (but believed to include Nicole Kidman) will be led by Simon Russell Beale playing Vanya and Malvolio.
—by Theatrenow