Three decades after it first premiered at Circle Repertory Company, producers Stacey Mindich and Jessica R Jenen will present the first-ever Broadway revival of Lanford Wilson Burn This. The Pulitzer Prize-winning American playwright’s work will be directed by Michael Mayer and Jake Gyllenhaal at the newly-refurbished Hudson Theatre.
Set in downtown New York in the raw and hard 1980s, the play uses humour to explore the wrought lives of Pale and Anna, two iconoclasts who are brought together in the wake of a life-changing event.
The production will reopen Broadway’s Hudson Theatre following an extensive refurbishment project. Mark Cornell, Ambassador Theatre Group’s CEO, said: ‘We are thrilled that Jake will star in the first play at The Hudson Theatre in almost 50 years. We can’t wait to welcome audiences to see Michal Mayer’s new production of Lanford Wilson’s Burn This, and experience ATG’s passion for providing an exceptional customer experience.
Director Mayer added: ‘I am honoured to bring Lanford Wilson’s gorgeous and timeless play back to Broadway in a new production starring Jake Gyllenhaal, whose stage work has been exhilarating and who is a dream choice for this role.
‘What a joy to reopen the historic Hudson Theatre. In the midst of an exquisite restoration, the intimate playhouse is the perfect home for this modern American classic.’
Situated just off Times Square in New York on 44th Street, between Millennium Broadway Hotel and The Premier Hotel, The Hudson Theatre opened on 19 October 1903 with a production of Cousin Kate starring Ethel Barrymore. One of New York City’s oldest Broadway showplaces, its 100-foot long lobby was the largest ever seen on Broadway at that time.
Performances begin February 2017, with an opening night set for 6 March 2017.
