When I took in David Lindsay-Abaire's solidly-crafted Rabbit Hole when it played on Broadway back in 2006, I thought it merely OK. It was poignant to be sure, especially with uniformly good performances, yet I didn’t think it rose to any great heights, nor did I think it deserving of its Pulitzer Prize win.
Of course, never mind what I think. Especially now that that John Cameron Mitchell has directed the big screen adaptation by Lindsay-Abaire. The film, set for a limited release on December 17 in time for Oscar consideration, will star Nicole Kidman as Cynthia opposite Aaron Eckhart as Howie -- grieving parents mourning the loss of their son (the roles were played on Broadway by Cynthia Nixon and John Slattery, with Nixon earning a Tony).
But after viewing this trailer for the movie, I found myself strangely moved in ways I didn't feel four years ago. Interesting that the clip barely even hints at the film's very title. Take a look and let me know what you think.
In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.
Dearest Wheedle describes the choice role as "an aging, drunken and sexually voracious movie star. The character is one of Williams' great stage monsters."
Later yesterday, The New York Times' Patrick Healy (sorry, no new nicknames I know of for this reliable reporter as of yet) confirmed that the production would move forward in the fall of 2011, adding that it would be under the watchful eye of estimable director David Cromer.
This production will mark Kidman's first Broadway appearance since her notorious debut in The Blue Room(1998-99). If Yank!comes to fruition during Broadway's 2011-12 Theatrical Season, then Cromer will have two major works on the Great White Way next year. As Cromer proved to Chicago audiences earlier this year, he has a gift for pinpointing and illuminating Williams' emotional core.
The first Broadway production of Sweet Bird Of Youth in 1959 was directed by Elia Kazan and starred a 34 year old Geraldine Page opposite the similarly aged Paul Newman as Chance. That luminary cast also included Sidney Blackmer as Boss Finley and such future stars as Bruce Dern, Diana Hyland and Rip Torn. Kazan, Page and Torn would also receive Tony nominations (Torn received a Theatre World Award for his portrayal of Tom Junior). The mounting would enjoy a 375 performance run at the Martin Beck Theatre (now the Al Hirschfeld), opening on March 10, 1959, and lasting through January 30, 1960. Page would go on to earn an Oscar nomination for the 1962 film version.
The first and only Broadway revival of the work came nearly 35 years ago for a very brief 48 performance run at the Harkness Theatre (which was razed in 1977). Edwin Sherin's direction tilted the show with a lopsided disparity in its leads' ages, pitting the 61 year old great Irene Worth opposite a relatively youthful 32 year old Christopher Walken. While the show was short-lived, Worth would earn her second of three Tony Awards.
With such a plum acting role capable of attracting acclaim and laurels, could Kidman see a Tony in her future? Stay tuned around June 2012.
In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.
Rain: A Tribute To The Beatles Limited run extended through May 31, 2011 (Show will go on hiatus starting January 15 and reopen at Brooks Atkinson Theatre on February 8)
Rock Of Ages - Open-ended run (Show will go on hiatus starting January 9 and reopen at Helen Hayes Theatre in March)
As someone who has been involved in both politics and public relations, it's no wonder I love watching theatre. Good or bad, it's the raw energy of seeing a live performance that gets my adrenaline pumping. From the moment I saw my very first Broadway show ("Annie" in London in 1979), I was hooked. Now I see as many as 70 shows each year ranging from soaring musicals to two-hander plays. And these eyes just may be in an audience near you!
