Josh Hartnett Makes UK Stage Debut In 'Rain Man'

What's On Stage is reporting that big screen star Josh Hartnett will be making his stage debut in the UK in a new stage adaptation of Rain Man. The play will run from September 8th to December 20th at the Apollo Theatre.

The film, which was released in 1988, starred Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman and won six Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Best Director and Best Actor (Hoffman). It tells the story of a young man (Cruise) who learns after his father dies that he has left all of his estate to an estranged brother he knew nothing about because he was placed in a home for autistic children right after he was born.

Hartnett will be playing the role of Charlie Babbitt (played by Cruise in the film) to British actor Adam Godley's Raymond.

What's On Stage reports , "Hollywood pin-up Josh Hartnett is best known for films such as Pearl Harbour, Black Hawk Down and The Virgin Suicides. Commenting on Rain Man, which marks his professional stage debut, Hartnett said: 'It has always been my intent to work on the London stage. While I've had many opportunities, it was only when I read the complex and charismatic character of Charlie Babbitt that I knew the time was right. I feel very fortunate to make my London bow … Can't wait to live and work in London, a city I adore!'"

The adaptation is written by Dan Gorden who has also written Terms of Endearment for the stage. It is directed by David Grindley. 

Photo Credit Sara De Boer/Retna Ltd.