Image Credit: Dave M. Benett/Getty ImagesA ticket, a ticket, my kingdom for a ticket! High among the new stage shows I can’t wait to see next season: a transcontinental production of William Shakespeare’s Richard III starring Kevin Spacey, who will reteam with American Beauty director Sam Mendes for the event. According to an announcement today, the show will premiere in February 2012 at Brooklyn’s BAM Harvey Theatre for a limited run, followed by a short tour and a run at London’s Old Vic Theatre from May through August 2012. (The company then plans “a more extensive world tour” from late August through October 2012.)
Spacey, who won a Tony in 1991 for Neil Simon’s Lost in Yonkers, seems particularly well-suited to playing the Machiavellian monarch Richard III. There’s something a little slimy about Spacey in many of his performances, and both his Oscar-winning roles — Roger Kint in The Usual Suspects and Lester Burnham in American Beauty — show what skill he has adapting his physical appearance, bearing, and mannerisms as the part requires. Playing the Bard’s famed hunchback? No problem.
A Spacey-topped Richard III marks a fitting finale to the Bridge Project, an ambitious three-year program overseen by BAM, Mendes’ Neal Street Productions, and the Old Vic (where Spacey has served as artistic director since 2003). Bridge has mounted revivals of classic plays like The Cherry Orchard and The Tempest in both New York and London, with casts that include both American stars (Ethan Hawke, Josh Hamilton) and British veterans (Rebecca Hall, Stephen Dillane). Anyone else excited about this production, PopWatchers? And what “naked villainy” would you commit to attend a performance?
Pretty sure Sam Mendes didn’t direct American Pie, although I find the thought of that amusing, so thanks for the smile!
And, yes, this production does sound very exciting. I love Spacey’s commitment to theatre, with his running of the Old Vic, it’s great to see an actor so in love with the art form.
Apparently, Andy, my excitement got the better of my gift of recall! Thanks for the catch!
How soon can I buy a ticket?
The press release only says that tickets will be on sale “fall 2011″ for the February-April shows at BAM.
So far I’m liking what I’m hearing. Good role for Spacey and Mendes obviously knows how to get a hell of a performance out of him. I can’t wait to hear about the supporting cast.
yes, i want to buy tickets now! i saw kevin spacey in “the iceman cometh” and he was incredible.
I’d much rather see Spacey as Richard III than Al Pacino.
Is he going to play it like Richard Dreyfuss in The Goodbye Girl?
Love Kevin Spacey and I think he will make a great Richard, but the person I would pay mega-bucks to see play Richard III is Michael Emerson. He would be amazing.
Will totally get tickets for the Old Vic. Hoping that Rebecca Hall gets to play Lady Anne – small role, but she could be lovely in it. That said, Sir Ian McKellan will forever be my favorite Richard III. He was just… yeah. *sigh*
I saw Robert Lindsay as RIII at the Royal Shakespeare Co. on Halloween in 1998, and he was incredible. AND a dead ringer for Spacey. I’ll move heaven and earth to get to this performance! Thanks, Thom, for these theatre articles!