The film is set to debut in New York Oct. 8, then Los Angeles Oct. 15 prior to its wide release Oct. 22.

Billy Crudup (The Elephant Man, "Almost Famous") stars in the Richard Eyre (Amy's View, Vincent in Brixton) screen adaptation of Jeffrey Hatcher's Compleat Female Stage Beauty, simply titled "Stage Beauty." The world premiere of the film — also starring Claire Danes, Rupert Everett, Ben Chaplin, Tom Wilkinson, Richard Griffiths and Zoe Potter.

During the Restoration, when men playing women's roles in theatre were a dying breed, Edward Kynaston was one of the most notable actresses. The English diarist Samuel Pepys, upon attending a performance of Ben Jonson's The Silent Woman, wrote he "was clearly the prettiest woman in the whole house." Later, upon seeing him performing as a man, he wrote "likewise did appear the handsomest man in the house."

Kynaston did eventually make a name for himself in London as a leading man, but the story of his days in women's clothing is told in Jeffrey Hatcher's Compleat Female Stage Beauty. Hatcher's tribute has played on stage at the Philadelphia Theatre Company and The Old Globe in San Diego.

Hatcher's plays include Three Viewings, Tuesdays with Morrie and Scotland Road. His latest works include was the books for the musicals Never Gonna Dance and Lucky Duck as well as an adaptation of Kaufman and Hart's The Fabulous Invalid and A Picasso. Eyre last directed Vincent in Brixton and the 2002 revival od The Crucible on Broadway. He served as director of the Royal National Theatre until 1997, directing 27 productions including Guys and Dolls, Hamlet, The Invention of Love as well as Racing Demon, Skylight, and Amy's View — the latter half on Broadway as well. He has directed for television and films including "The Ploughman's Lunch" and his screenplay for "Iris."

For more information on "Stage Beauty," visit the official website at www.stagebeautymovie.com.