Crossing The Pond
There seems to be a bit of a vogue for all things British this season on Broadway. Shows and actors from the UK are causing quite a stir in America's theatrical heartland.
Possibly the most eagerly awaited of these imports is the revival of Shaffer's 1973 play, Equus. The controversial production tells the tale of a psychologist treating a young man who suffers from a powerful religious/sexual attraction to horses. Starring Tony award-winning actor, Richard Griffiths and Harry Potter's Daniel Radcliffe, the show is as British as drizzle and train delays.
Representing the US in Equus will be Kate Mulgrew, perhaps best known for her role in Star trek: Voyager, in which she played Captain Kathryn Janeway.
Equus is no newcomer to Broadway, the play premiered there in 1974 and scooped the 1975 Tony Award for 'best play'. The show's initial Broadway run lasted nearly three years. This recent incarnation of Equus is directed by Thea Sharrock and opened at the Broadhurst Theatre on September 25th 2008.
Billy Elliot: The Musical is the other big British show that's making waves on Broadway. Hotly anticipated, there have been rumours of the transfer since the show opened in the West End three years ago. Billy Elliot: The Musical opens at the Imperial Theatre on November 13th 2008. Haydn Gwynne will reprise her role as Mrs Wilkinson in the Broadway production. Billy will be played by David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik and Kiril Kulish The three boys, all between thirteen and fifteen, will alternate the role to avoid unnecessary pressure.
Shakespeare and Dickens also feature this season on Broadway. A musical version of A Tale of Two Cities recently opened and has been met with mixed reviews.
Published by: Jonathan Dudley
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