Neil Pepe to Direct 'Speed-the-Plow' Bway Revival?

Michael Riedel of the New York Post is underlining reports that a revival of David Mamet's Speed-The-Plow is headed to Broadway in the fall. Though Riedel had first rumored Jessica Alba to star in the play, he says she's pulled the plug.

Still, producer Jeffrey Richards (represented on Broadway with November, and helmed the Tony Award-winning revival of Glengarry Glen Ross) has put faith in Neil Pepe (Atlantic Theatre Company) to direct.

Richards has made it clear that his production will not be the highly-acclaimed production currently winning-over critics at the Old Vic in London, starring Jeff Goldblum and Kevin Spacey.

Riedel reports: "Mamet gave Richards the rights to Speed-the-Plow, a comedy about two sleazy Hollywood producers and their secretary, long before the Old Vic secured the play for a London run."

David Mamet's original play Speed-the-Plow appeared on Broadway April 1988, directed by Gregory Mosher, and ran for a total of 279 performances at the Royale Theatre.  Described as a satirical examination of the movie-business, it was nominated for Best Play.  Actor Ron Silver received the Tony Award for Best Actor (1988) in the role of Charlie Fox.  Silver starred opposite music recording legend Madonna (as Karen) and Tony Award-winner Joe Mantegna (as Bobby Gould).