Tony Kushner's "The Visit" [London]

[binau]

Posted: 9/13/19 at 4:02pm

Very curious. 



https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/the-visit#production-story

 

[nasty_khakis]

Posted: 9/13/19 at 4:06pm

I believe this adaptation (Kushner's script, I mean) was commissioned as a vehicle for Oprah to make her Broadway debut a few years ago, but the Kander and Ebb musical finally came to Broadway, essentially killing it. So excited to see an actress like Leslie sink her teeth into this role.

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 9/13/19 at 4:21pm

Yes, he had initially been working on it for Oprah, but the musical had nothing to do with its Broadway cancellation — that play could have easily come to Broadway and recouped with Oprah. (I believe George Wolfe had been attached to direct.)

Leslie Manville will be brilliant.

[nasty_khakis]

Posted: 9/13/19 at 4:36pm

I know Oprah could come to Broadway in anything and name-alone will sell out whatever run. I definitely heard from someone involved the musical's coming to Broadway and then flopping did have an effect on Oprah or whomever not wanting to go any further with it. I'm sure it was one of many things. 

[LightsOut90]

Posted: 9/14/19 at 12:41am

with David Binder attached this was probably play BAM at some point...

[rosscoe(au)]

Posted: 9/14/19 at 5:04am

Isn’t the original classed as a classic? While I love Tony’s work. Not sure why this needs an update.

[imeldasturn]

Posted: 9/14/19 at 5:19am

Hugo Weaving is in it too

[darquegk]

Posted: 9/14/19 at 10:50am

It's a new translation and adaptation. The original play is not in English, and much like Brecht's "Threepenny Opera" has been translated and adapted in numerous ways with no "official" canon version, "The Visit" is the same way."

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 9/14/19 at 11:00am

I can’t find when the production ends. Does anyone know?

[cardamon]

Posted: 9/14/19 at 11:25am

Jordan Catalano said: "I can’t find when the production ends. Does anyone know?"

The season brochure has dates listed through April 4, but it also says at the bottom "Further performances to be announced."

https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/sites/default/files/national-theatre-rep-brochure_oct-2019-mar-2020.pdf Updated On: 9/14/19 at 11:25 AM

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 9/14/19 at 11:37am

Oh perfect. I just need it to extend ONE WEEK for my April trip!!

[RunningThatRoad]

Posted: 9/14/19 at 11:40am

I hope it does! Do keep in mind, though, (as I'm guessing you probably know) that shows at the National have very irregular schedules and sometimes take weeks off at a time in the middle of their runs.