The play, adapted for the stage by Jack Thorne from John Ajvide Lindqvist’s novel and 2004 horror film, was greeted with raves from critics when it had its 2013 London premiere at Dundee Rep Theatre. It transferred to the Royal Court Theatre, followed by the West End's Apollo Theatre, where it ended its run Aug. 30.
The chilling, atmospheric production is directed by Tiffany, the Tony Award-winning director of Once and The Glass Menagerie, who previously staged the National Theatre of Scotland's Black Watch at St. Ann's Warehouse.
Tiffany is joined by his frequent collaborator, co-director Steven Hoggett (Once, The Last Ship, The Glass Menagerie).
Playing opposite Benson's Eli will be actor Cristian Ortega in the role of Oskar, the bullied teenage boy who befriends the mysterious figure on a snowy playground.
The New York cast will welcome the return of many U.K. cast members, including Cliff Burnett as Hakan, Susan Vidler as Oskar's Mum, Gary Mackay as Kurt/Jocke/Nils/Dad/Stefan, Gavin Kean as Halmberg/Mr Avila, Graeme Dalling as Jonny/Torkel/Jimmy, Angus Miller as Janne and Andrew Fraser as Micke. Let the Right One In will run Jan. 20-Feb. 15, 2015. The U.S. premiere is producedby the National Theatre of Scotland by arrangement with Bill Kenwright and Marla Rubin Productions Ltd and in association with piece by piece productions.
The play is described as "a brutal and tender vampire myth told through the turbulence of a coming-of-age romance. Oskar, a lonely boy from a broken home, is bullied at school and longing for friendship. Eli, the young girl who moves in next door, doesn’t attend school and rarely leaves home.When a series of mysterious killings plagues the neighborhood, these two young misfits, sensing in each other a kindred spirit, forge a deep connection. But the shocking truth about one of them tests their young friendship —and love— beyond all imaginable limits."
The production features original music by BAFTA Award-winning Icelandic composer Ólafur Arnalds, set design by Tony Award winner Christine Jones, lighting design by Chahine Yavroyan, sound design by Olivier Award winner Gareth Fry and special effects design by Jeremy Chernick.
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