Postponed Indefinitely: ROOM On Broadway - News & Discussion Thread

[jacobsnchz14]

Posted: 1/6/23 at 1:30pm

BroadwayWorld has learned that a stage adaptation of Emma Donoghue's bestselling novel Room will open on Broadway in April 2023. The production is expected to be a limited run through September. No casting or theater has been announced.

The production is directed by Cora Bissett, with script by Emma Donoghue, and songs by Cora Bissett and Kathryn Joseph. Previously adapted by Donoghue for the screen, the film won Academy Awards, Golden Globes and BAFTAs.

With a world premiere in 2017 at Stratford East in the UK, Room previously also had a run via Mirvish productions in Toronto, also directed by Bissett, which was staged in Spring 2022 and was well received by critics.

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Stage-Adaptation-of-Emma-Donoghues-ROOM-Will-Open-On-Broadway-This-Spring-20230106

Updated On: 3/16/23 at 01:30 PM

[Alex M]

Posted: 1/6/23 at 1:45pm

I thought this was "The Room" for a moment and got VERY excited. I met Tommy Wiseau and he told me that he was working on a stage adaptation of it LOL. 

This should be good though, I wonder which theatre itll be going into.

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 1/6/23 at 1:47pm

What’s the scoop on who will play the Brie Larson role? That’s the type of role that could win Tonys.

[BCfitasafiddle]

Posted: 1/6/23 at 1:48pm

I still think no one will beat Jodie Comer, but whoever stars in ROOM will have a great chance.

[ACL2006]

Posted: 1/6/23 at 1:49pm

This seems to have come out from nowhere? Wonder what theater it'll take?

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 1/6/23 at 1:51pm

It’s rumored for the Lyceum. 

[RippedMan]

Posted: 1/6/23 at 1:52pm

Per the audition notice they're looking for a black female for the lead role. 

[bdn223]

Posted: 1/6/23 at 1:53pm

ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "What’s the scoop on who will play the Brie Larson role? That’s the type of role that could win Tonys."

That's dependent on whether the show is considered a play or musical...reading some of the reviews from the Toronto production they debated themselves. As its going to be a limited run, I would guess they are going the play route, but also that means they can reduce costs by using canned music. If its keeping with the 2 previous productions Ma will be played by a POC actress and since we did not get a name with this announcement I am guessing they will with a relatively unknown and hope for this to be a star is born moment. 

[jkcohen626]

Posted: 1/6/23 at 2:00pm

EDSOSLO858 said: "It’s rumored for the Lyceum."

Not denying the rumors, but it's very interesting to me that we haven't heard ANYTHING rumored for the Jones yet. They JUST spent a ton of money renovating it. It's surprising to me that they'd leave it open! 

[Call_me_jorge]

Posted: 1/6/23 at 2:01pm

Is this a scenario where the music is in the background or do the characters sing? Does the actress who plays Ma have to be a singer as well as an actress? Who played the part in Toronto, could they be transferring with the show?

Updated On: 1/6/23 at 02:01 PM

[Jarethan]

Posted: 1/6/23 at 2:06pm

Pretty encouraging that investors are still willing to invest in highly risky productions in a season in which a lot of excellently reviewed productions have died at the box office.  If they are indeed goi g with an unknown, that is pretty amazing.  I guess ‘the fabulous invalid’ is still alive and breathing.

[DCS]

Posted: 1/6/23 at 2:19pm

Didn't I see someone post somewhere on this board that Adrienne Warren was returning to Broadway this Spring in a production that hadn't been announced yet?  Could this be it???

[Jarethan]

Posted: 1/6/23 at 2:28pm

Looking like best actress in a play has the potential to be really strong.  Comer, Chastain, MacDonald, Linney, Wanamaker, and the lead in this.

[everythingtaboo]

Posted: 1/6/23 at 2:47pm

RippedMan said: "Per the audition notice they're looking for a black female for the lead role."

While it's set in an American city, I wonder if the politics of POC who have gone missing was or will explored at all with this casting choice. As POC myself, I can't help but bring that into the theatre with me. That said, it's one my favorite books, so I'm excited to see this adaptation.

[Robbie516]

Posted: 1/6/23 at 2:59pm

This is way to heavy of a play for it not to have some sort of a name lead it at least IMO

[christhefish]

Posted: 1/6/23 at 3:05pm

The Canadian productions were led by Alexis Gordon and she was beyond stunning.  Here are some promo videos  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vo5xd9hLOes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCXXFamyQw4

[Valentina3]

Posted: 1/6/23 at 3:06pm

I know I dreamcast her in everything, but Nina Arianda has everything needed to destroy this role.

[Phillytheatreguy10]

Posted: 1/6/23 at 3:20pm

This probably needs a big name to make a dent at the box office, but in my mind this person’s star is quickly rising…paging Crystal Lucas Perry! 

[forfivemoreminutes]

Posted: 1/6/23 at 3:37pm

I'm genuinely curious about the business decision of bringing this to Broadway. I suppose it could do well as a limited run over the summer, but the subject matter is SO heavy that I can't see many people coming back to see it more than once. I suppose the "true crime, abducted woman in danger" type trope might draw in tourists, but the show itself is so intense that I'm just not sure. I saw it in Toronto and I thought it was very well done and an incredible piece of theatre (and Alexis Gordon was excellent), AND I also thought it was not something I would ever willingly sit through again. 

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 1/6/23 at 4:03pm

My initial reaction to this is "why"?  I love this film but it's...a lot. Also, the lead character is in her early 20s and these suggestions are women close to 40. Are they keeping with her being young? 

 

[BroadwayNYC2]

Posted: 1/6/23 at 4:04pm

Love Arianda but she is a bit long in the tooth To play somebody in their early 20s 

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 1/6/23 at 4:07pm

Maybe Glenda Jackson is available. 

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 1/6/23 at 4:26pm

Did you see this at Stratford East, Jake? 

[InTheBathroom1]

Posted: 1/6/23 at 5:42pm

really feels like producers are throwing sh*t at a wall and seeing what sticks. 

[RippedMan]

Posted: 1/6/23 at 6:13pm

Jordan Catalano said: "My initial reaction to this is "why"? I love this film but it's...a lot. Also, the lead character is in her early 20s and these suggestions are women close to 40. Are they keeping with her being young?

Per the audition notice they want a young black female. I doubt they'll go with a name. Even someone like Adrianne Warren isn't a "name" outside of this board. Maybe they're hoping to win best New play over Fat Ham? But that seems unsure.