'The Seafarer' with Norton & Hill, Sails into NY Oct. 30

The National Theatre's production of The Seafarer by Conor McPherson makes its Broadway transfer beginning Tuesday, October 30 for a Thursday, November 15 opening at the Booth Theatre (222 West 45th Street).  The American premiere, directed by McPherson, will star Ciarán Hinds, Conleth Hill, David Morse, Ritchie Coster, and Jim Norton.

"It's Christmas Eve and Sharky (Morse) has returned to Dublin to look after his irascible, aging brother (Norton) who's recently gone blind," describes press notes, "Old drinking buddies Ivan (Hill) and Nicky (Coster) are holed up at the house too, hoping to play some cards. But with the arrival of a stranger (Hinds) from the distant past, the stakes are raised ever higher. In fact, Sharky may be playing for his very soul."

Jim Norton will be reprising his role as Richard Harkin for which he received the 2007 Olivier Award.  Ciarán Hinds is best known as Gaius Julius Caesar in HBO's epic drama "Rome" and Closer in the West End and on Broadway. Two-time Olivier Award-winner Conleth Hill (Stones in His Pockets, The Producers) will be reprising his role as Ivan Curry, which he originated at The National Theatre in London.

Drama Desk Award-winner David Morse (How I Learned to Drive) and Richie Coster (Beauty of the Father and Dealer's Choice) both return to the New York stage.  

The Seafarer features sets and costumes by Rae Smith, lighting by Neil Austin and sound design by Mathew Smethurst-Evans (sound design).

Having received its world premiere in 2006 at the National's Cottesloe Theatre, The Seafarer received two Olivier Award nominations including Best New Play. Jim Norton received the Olivier for Best Performance in a Supporting Role.  The Seafarer is the latest National Theatre production to be produced on Broadway by Boyett Ostar Productions. Previous productions include Alan Bennett's Tony Award-winning The History Boys, plus Coram Boy, Jumpers, Democracy and The Pillowman.

Previews for The Seafarer begin Tuesday, October 30; opening night is Thursday, November 15.  Tickets ($96.50 - $76.50), on-sale soon, are available via Telecharge at 212-239-6200 or www.telecharge.com.

Performances:

• October 30 – November 17: Monday – Saturdays at 8PM with Saturday matinees at 2PM.
• November 19 –November 25: Tuesday & Wednesday at 8PM; Friday & Saturday at 8PM. Matinees on Wednesday, Friday & Saturday at 2PM; Sunday at 3PM.
• From November 27 onward: Tuesday – Saturday at 8PM. Matinees on Wednesday & Saturday at 2PM; Sunday at 3PM.

Photo: Jim Norton