Azaria & Simpson Lead 'Farnsworth Invention,' Dir. McAnuff

Full casting has been announced for the world premiere of Aaron Sorkin's new American play about the advent of television, The Farnsworth Invention, directed by two-time Tony Award winner Des McAnuff, opening on Broadway at the Music Box Theatre on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 with previews beginning on Monday, October 15, 2007. The play stars Tony Award-nominee Hank Azaria (Spamalot) as David Sarnoff, and Jimmi Simpson as Philo T. Farnsworth.

In addition to Azaria and Simpson, the cast also includes Nadia Bowers, Kyle Fabel, Maurice Godin, Adam Grupper, Christian McCarthy Johansen, Aaron Krohn, Kate MacCluggage, Bruce McKenzie, Malcolm Morano, Spencer Moses, Michael Mulheren, Jim Ortlieb, Michael Pemberton, Javier Picayo, Katharine Powell, Steve Rosen, James Sutorius, Margot White, Alexandra Wilson, William Youmans.

"The Farnsworth Invention centers around the bitter conflict that pitted Philo T. Farnsworth (Jimmi Simpson), a boy genius who invented television as a high school student in 1927, against David Sarnoff (Hank Azaria), the head of the Radio Corporation of America (RCA). The legal battle between Farnsworth and RCA would later become known as one of the great, tragic examples of legal and industrial force combining to crush a rightful patent owner. In a race that would change humanity forever, two men battle one another for honor, glory and a place in the history books," explain press materials.

Hank Azaria (David Sarnoff) last appeared on Broadway in the Tony Award-winning musical Spamalot and in Sexual Perversity in Chicago (West End, London). He lends his voice to numerous characters on "The Simpsons" (three Emmy Awards). Recent films include The Simpsons movie and Run, Fat Boy, Run.

Jimmi Simpson (Philo T. Farnsworth) is a New Jersey native and received his degree in theatre from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. Previously worked with McAnuff in Tartuffe (2002) at La Jolla Playhouse. Theatre: The Rainmaker (Broadway); Camino Real, The Winter's Tale, The Blue Demon and Olive Nightingale Sings (Williamstown Theatre Foundation).

The Farnsworth Invention design team will be comprised of Klara Zieglerova (Scenic Design), David C. Woolard (Costume Design), Howell Binkley (Lighting Design), Walter Trarbach (Sound Design). The creative team also includes Andrew Lippa (original music) and Lisa Shriver (movement and protocol).

The Farnsworth Invention debuted at La Jolla Playhouse in a "Page To Stage" workshop production, running February 20 through March 25, 2007.

Tickets to The Farnsworth Invention are available by calling Telecharge.com at 212-239-6200 or 800-432-7250, online at www.telecharge.com.  Beginning October 1, tickets will be available at the Music Box Theatre box office (239 W 45th St, between Broadway & 8th Avenue). Group sales tickets available by calling 877-536-3437.

In previews, ticket prices for all performances (except Wednesday matinees) are $60, $75 and $90. Tickets prices for Wednesday matinees during previews are $50, $70 and $85. Beginning Thursday, November 15, ticket prices for all performances (except Wednesday matinees) are $65, $85 and $100. Tickets prices for Wednesday matinees are $55, $80 and $95. An additional $1.50 theatre restoration charge will be added to the price of each ticket.

Show times October 15 through November 18 are Monday through Saturday evenings at 8PM, Wednesday and Saturday matinees at 2PM. No performance on Wednesday, October 17 at 2PM.  Performances from November 20 are Tuesday evenings at 7PM, Wednesday through Saturday evenings at 8PM, Wednesday and Saturday matinees at 2PM and Sunday matinees at 3PM.

Photo of Hank Azaria by Retna Ltd.

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