Steve On Broadway (SOB)

Esparza's Homecoming Finds Him In Good Company

Esparza's Homecoming Finds Him In Good Company

It's been sixteen years since Harold Pinter's The Homecoming was last staged on the Great White Way. That 1991 production lasted a mere 49 performances. But now, with plenty of star power to propel it forward, a second rival is headed for Broadway.

Not letting any moss grow under his feet, Raúl Esparza -- whom many were shocked did not win the 2007 Tony for Best Actor in a Musical for his brilliant work in Company -- will join Ian McShane and Michael McKean in Daniel Sullivan's production.

While this will be McShane's first Rialto outing in 40 years (he last appeared in The Promise with a young Ian McKellen and Eileen Atkins), it also marks Esparza's first non-musical role on Broadway. If he can bring even a fraction of the intensity he brought to his role as Bobby, this show may become unmissable.

When The Homecoming made its Broadway debut back in 1967, it earned four Tony Awards, including for Best Play. The show ran for a remarkable 324 performances at the Music Box Theatre.

Will all the high wattage from the second revival turn it into a similar success? I'm mulling over the possibilities.

The Homecoming will open on December 4 at the Cort Theatre.

This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).

Labels: Daniel Sullivan, First Word On New Show, Harold Pinter, Ian McShane, Michael McKean, Play, Raul Esparza, Revival, The Homecoming

posted by Steve On Broadway (SOB) @ Tuesday, July 24, 2007