Mahon will be making his Broadway debut in the role of Nicky Giblin. Coster withdrew from the production "due to scheduling conflicts," according to a press notice. (Previews were originally scheduled to begin Oct. 30 but have been delayed one day; rehearsals begin Sept. 28.)
Conor McPherson's play, which was seen at the National's Cottesloe, will also feature Ciarán Hinds, Conleth Hill, David Morse and Jim Norton. Hill and Norton both appeared in the U.K. production. Playwright McPherson will also direct.
The Seafarer, a "chilling new play about the sea, Ireland, and the power of myth," is described as such: "It's Christmas Eve and Sharky (Morse) has returned to Dublin to look after his irascible, aging brother (Norton) who's recently gone blind. Old drinking buddies Ivan (Hill) and Nicky (Coster) are holed up at the house too, hoping to play some cards. But with the arrival of a stranger (Hinds) from the distant past, the stakes are raised ever higher. In fact, Sharky may be playing for his very soul."
The Seafarer made its world premiere in 2006, earning an Olivier nomination for Best New Play and an Olivier Award for Jim Norton for Best Performance in a Supporting Role.
The design team will comprise Rae Smith (set and costume design), Neil Austin (lighting design) and Mathew Smethurst-Evans (sound design). Boyett Ostar Productions is producing the Broadway production. McPherson is author of The Weir and Shining City.
Sean Mahon's Irish theatre credits include One for the Road, Drama at InisM and Big Maggie. He has been seen on the U.S. stage in Savage in Limbo, Translations, Ourselves Alone, The Visit, Stones in His Pockets, Yankee Trader, Bar 5 and Confessions of a Catholic Child. His screen credits include "Angel," "The Agency," "Everwood," "ER," "Line of Fire," "Sci-fi MOW," "Hulk" and "Mr. and Mrs. Smith."
The Booth Theatre is located in Manhattan at 222 West 45th Street. Tickets will be priced $76.50-$96.50 and will be available by calling (212) 239-6200 or by visiting www.telecharge.com. An on sale date will be announced shortly.
