Des McAnuff directs Sorkin's latest stage play, which began previews Oct. 15 at the Music Box Theatre. Opening night was originally scheduled for Nov. 14 (four days after the start of the strike). Performances resume Nov. 29 and the new opening is an added Monday performance.
The Farnsworth Invention follows the battle for the patent for the invention of the television set. The race pitted Philo T. Farnsworth, a young genius who came up with the idea as a high school student, against David Sarnoff, the head of the Radio Corporation of America (RCA). Using direct address monologues and flashbacks, the two men narrate the retelling of each other's stories as the drama unfolds.
Hank Azaria and Jimmi Simpson — facing off as Sarnoff and Farnsworth, respectively — head a cast that also features Michael Mulheren, William Youmans and Steve Rosen.
The large ensemble also includes Nadia Bowers, Kyle Fabel, Maurice Godin, Bruce McKenzie, Spencer Moses, Jim Ortlieb, Michael Pemberton, Katharine Powell, James Sutorius, Alexandra Wilson, Adam Grupper, Christian McCarthy Johansen, Aaron Krohn, Kate MacCluggage, Malcolm Morano, Javier Picayo and Margot White.
Composer Andrew Lippa (The Wild Party) provides original music for the production. Lisa Shriver handles movement and protocol. Steve Rankin serves as fight director. Stephen Gabis is the dialect coach. The design team includes Klara Zieglerova (scenic), David C. Woolard (costume), Howell Binkley (lighting), Walter Trarbach (sound design) and Mark Adam Rampmeyer (hair and wig).
The Farnsworth Invention played in a Page to Stage workshop production at the La Jolla Playhouse in February featuring Simpson with Stephen Lang as Sarnoff.
The play is produced on Broadway by Dodger Properties and Steven Spielberg in association with Fred Zollo/Jeff Sine, Dancap Productions and Latitude Link/The Pelican Group.
Tickets to The Farnsworth Invention at the Music Box, 239 West 45th Street, are available by calling (212) 239-6200. For more information, visit farnsworthonbroadway.com.
