Variety reported that Beatty would repeat the performance he created in London a few seasons ago. Beatty is primarily a film animal, with such credits as "Deliverance," "Network," "Superman," "The Big Easy" and "Nashville" behind him.

The role of Brick has been cast according to a recent casting notice for Cat, but the actor's name has not been announced. Mark Ruffalo (This Is Our Youth, The Moment When) has been mentioned for the part.

The role of Maggie was originated onstage by Barbara Bel Geddes in the 1955 production. Elizabeth Ashley played the part in the 1974 Broadway revival and Kathleen Turner was Broadway's most recent Maggie the Cat in 1990. Burl Ives famously created the part of Big Daddy, with the folk singer forging a new career as a dramatic actor in the process. Fred Gwynne was the bellowing patriarch in 1974 and Charles During won a Tony for the part in 1990. As for Brick, slightly less famous players have filled the troubled, former football player's shoes. Ben Gazzara was the first to drown his sorrows. Keir Dullea was Ashley's husband and Turner tempted Daniel Hugh Kelly.

Produced by Bill Kenwright, this production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof originated on the London stage with direction by Anthony Page. The cast at the Lyric Theatre featured Brendan Fraser, Frances O'Connor, Ned Beatty, Gemma Jones, Abigail McKern and Clive Carter.

Daughter of famed singer Naomi Judd, Ashley Judd was recently seen as Tina Modotti in the Miramax film "Frida." Her other motion picture credits include "Ruby in Paradise," "Natural Born Killers," "A Time to Kill," "Kiss the Girls," "Double Jeopardy," "Someone Like You," "High Crimes" and "Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood." Judd made her New York stage debut in the 1994 Roundabout Theatre production of Picnic.