The Chalk Garden with Angela Lansbury to open Fall 2015

[LightsOut90]

Posted: 2/3/15 at 2:19am

Another piece of info I picked up tonight, that revival of The Chalk Garden with Angela Lansbury will be happening in the fall for a 16 week limited engagement, they are just signing the contracts this week and an official announcement should be made soon. Really exciting, and at 89 to just keep going, points to Ms Lansbury.

[gstrus2]

Posted: 2/3/15 at 8:08am

Would love to have the opportunity to see Ms. Lansbury in one more performance. Wonder what house this will go in?

[Auggie27]

Posted: 2/3/15 at 8:24am

And one can only imagine the casting possibilities for the other roles, in particular the lead governess, Miss Madrigal. The age seems flexible. We all know the character from the film, played by Deborah Kerr. But in the last major London production (with Margaret Tyzack in the Lansbury role) the great Penelope Wilton played her. I would think that role could be filled with someone to match Lansbury. Keira Knightley? People loved her in CHILDREN'S HOUR. Older?

[Esther]

Posted: 2/3/15 at 9:16am

Knightley (pregnant with her first child) is supposed to be doing Therese Raquin at Roundabout beginning 10/1/15.

[Auggie27]

Posted: 2/3/15 at 10:17am

Just a thought. If they go much older, the possibilities are intriguing.

Why do I think it might end up Cynthia Nixon? (Not a terrible idea, but I'd rather see someone we haven't had on the NY stage in a while.)

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 2/3/15 at 10:53am

I was just wondering about this and PRAYING it was still a possibility!

[CarlosAlberto]

Posted: 2/3/15 at 11:14am

So was I! So glad this is happening! Can't wait for more info regarding casting, etc.

[Phillypinto]

Posted: 2/3/15 at 11:28am

YESSSSS!!!!!! YES YES YES YES YES!

[Wilmingtom]

Posted: 2/3/15 at 1:59pm

How about Julianne Moore as Madrigal? I think we need to go a bit older in consideration of Ms. Landsbury's youth. Elle Fanning as Laurel? Both have said they'd love to do more theater and it is a limited run.

[KathyNYC2]

Posted: 2/3/15 at 8:09pm

I just cannot wait for this one. Love it..

Love the play and seeing Angela L again..what a gift.

[HorseTears]

Posted: 2/3/15 at 8:11pm

Whaaaa?? Wonderful news. At this point, assumed this wasn't happening. I know nothing about this play. Is Dame Angela's role a lead?

[beaemma]

Posted: 2/3/15 at 9:42pm

The role is one of the leads. The part was played by Edith Evans in the movie and by Gladys Cooper on stage. I think it's a terrific part for Miss Lansbury.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 2/3/15 at 9:52pm

I just hope there's an actual announcement about this soon.

[HorseTears]

Posted: 2/28/15 at 5:53am

Any updates on this, LightsOut90??

[henrikegerman]

Posted: 2/28/15 at 8:07am

I want, crave, need Samantha Morton as Miss Madrigal!

[fbueller]

Posted: 2/28/15 at 8:47am

Hats off to Angela Lansbury! What an incredible performer. Such a great legacy she has established.

Angela is long overdue for recognition at the Kennedy Center Honors.

[jayinchelsea]

Posted: 2/28/15 at 8:58am

fbueller, Angela got her KC Honor in 2000.

[Borstalboy]

Posted: 2/28/15 at 9:00am

A wonderful, underrated play that is very worthy of revival. Excited!

[Ed_Mottershead]

Posted: 2/28/15 at 9:51am

I confess I'm not particularly fond of the play per se, but am thrilled at the thought of seeing Lansbury again. A thought from way out there -- it'll never happen -- but Patti LuPone for Madrigal? She's done a lot of excellent non-musical work in the past.

Updated On: 2/28/15 at 09:51 AM

[LightsOut90]

Posted: 2/28/15 at 1:59pm

Im hearing they are waiting to make the announcement now after the Blithe Spirit tour is done next month out of consideration for that production.

[beaemma]

Posted: 2/28/15 at 4:07pm

I'm not a big fan of the play itself, but good acting can make it more than worthwhile. I saw a 1970s revival in London with Gladys Cooper, Joan Greenwood, and Peter Bayliss; and the actors made it a great evening. Casting is crucial, and I'm sure Angela Lansbury would be superb as Mrs. St Maugham. I really hope this happens and that the rest of the roles are just as well cast.

[ljay889]

Posted: 2/28/15 at 4:24pm

Don't know much about this play, but Is Patti right for Madrigal? Angela and Patti in the same play would be INSANE.

[beaemma]

Posted: 2/28/15 at 4:38pm

Patti? I'm not sure. The script describes the character as an "enigmatical, contained woman, neat and noncommittal in dress--with fine eyes and the still look of an eagle at rest upon a rock." The character is very reserved, a bit wry and sardonic at times, and very secretive about herself. She gets the job mainly because no one else applies. She and Mrs. St. Maugham have some excellent scenes together.

[Ed_Mottershead]

Posted: 2/28/15 at 9:00pm

Braeanna, In 1997, Patti was in the Mamet play The Old Neighborhood, a non-musical play in which INMO she was terrific and demonstrated she could project many layers of a multi-faceted character. I realize that the likelihood of this happening is zilch but threw out my thought anyway.

Updated On: 2/28/15 at 09:00 PM

[Auggie27]

Posted: 2/28/15 at 9:31pm

Judy Davis.