Exit The King Revival 2009

Run Time:
2 hours and 30 minutes, with one intermission
Opened: March 26, 2009
Closing: June 14, 2009

Exit The King - 2009 - Broadway History , Info & More

Eugene Ionesco’s great absurdist comedy Exit the King comes to Broadway for a strictly limited fourteen-week engagement, starring the peerless Academy Award winners Geoffrey Rush and Susan Sarandon. This momentous production marks Mr. Rush’s Broadway debut and Ms. Sarandon’s first time on Broadway in over twenty-five years. The cast also stars Emmy Award nominee Lauren Ambrose and Tony Award winner Andrea Martin.



Exit the King is a hilarious and poignant comedy about a megalomaniacal ruler, King Berenger (Rush) whose incompetence has left his country in near ruin. Despite the efforts of Queen Marguerite (Sarandon) and the other members of the court to convince the King he has only 90 minutes left to live, he refuses to relinquish any control.

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Review - It's... Exit The King
by Kristin Salaky - April 5, 2009


No dear playgoers, it has not come to pass that some smart producer put up a quickie, low-budget revival of Spamalot in the Barrymore Theatre and tried cutting costs by removing all the songs. But there's definitely a Pythonic style in the look and text of Ionesco's Exit The King as co-adapted by Geoffrey Rush (who also stars) and Neil Armfield (who also directs). You can sense it in the way Brian Hutchison, as a faithfully detail-oriented armored guard, dutifully announces each royal occurrence as it happens, correcting himself, when necessary, with bellowing authority ('The King is dead.'... 'The King's alive.'... 'Long live the king.'). It's there when AndRea Martin, as a sullen, much-abused servant, makes a comic production out of trying to keep the monarchs' royal robes draped straight, and it's abundantly present when Rush, as the 400-year-old King Berenger, who is down to his last 90 minutes of life ('When the play is over you'll be dead.'), kicks up what's left of his heels in a silly little dance.

EXIT THE KING Enters Its Final 2 Weeks Of Run At Barrymore Theatre, Closes 6/14
by BWW News Desk - June 14, 2009


The critically acclaimed Broadway production of EXIT THE KING will begin the final two weeks of its limited engagement, set to end Sunday, June 14 at the Barrymore Theatre (243 West 47th Street). The production will have played 21 previews and 93 regular performances.

EXIT THE KING Enters Its Final 2 Weeks Of Run At Barrymore Theatre, Closes 6/14
by Gabrielle Sierra - June 1, 2009


The critically acclaimed Broadway production of EXIT THE KING will begin the final two weeks of its limited engagement, set to end Sunday, June 14 at the Barrymore Theatre (243 West 47th Street). The production will have played 21 previews and 93 regular performances.

Photo Coverage: EXIT THE KING's Geoffrey Rush Joins Sardi's WALL OF FAME
by Walter McBride - May 20, 2009


EXIT THE KING's Tony nominated star Geoffrey Rush joined the Sardi's Wall of Fame this week and BroadwayWorld.com was there to capture the moment. Rush has been nominated for the Tony and Drama League Awards and won the Dream Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Theatre World Awards. EXIT THE KING is a limited engagement on Broadway, running through June 14, 2009.

EXIT THE KING's Susan Sarandon To Guest On Live With Regis & Kelly 5/21
by Gabrielle Sierra - May 18, 2009


EXIT THE KING's Susan Sarandon will be a live guest on 'Live with Regis & Kelly' this Thursday, May 21 between 9-10AM. EXIT THE KING is a limited engagement, through June 14 only.

EXIT THE KING's Geoffrey Rush To Guest On CBS2 News Sunday 5/17
by Gabrielle Sierra - May 15, 2009


EXIT THE KING's Tony nominated Geoffrey Rush will be a featured guest on 'CBS2 News Sunday' this Sunday, May 17 at approximately 6:50AM. For his portrayal of ?King Berenger,' Rush has been nominated for the Tony, Drama Desk and Drama League Awards and won the Outer Critic Circle and Theatre World Awards. EXIT THE KING is a limited engagement, through June 14 only.

TV Show Preview: Exit The King
by Craig Brockman - April 21, 2009


Catch scenes from Exit The King which stars Geoffrey Rush, Susan Sarandon, Lauren Ambrose, Andrea Martin, William Sadler and Brian Hutchison,

TV: Broadway Beat - 'TOXIC AVENGER', 'EXIT THE KING' and Matthew Broderick & Co. at the Roundabout
by Eddie Varley - April 18, 2009


Go on stage and off with the best theatre show on the net, meet the talented cast of Roundabout Theatre Company's new production of The Philanthropist, and hobnob at the Opening Nights of 'EXIT THE KING' and 'THE TOXIC AVENGER: THE MUSICAL'- all right here with Broadway Beat and BroadwayWorld.com!

Lauren Abrose, Star Of EXIT THE KING Featured In 4/7 Issue Of Women's Wear Daily
by Reynard Loki - April 7, 2009


Lauren Ambrose, star of Broadway?s critically acclaimed Exit the King is featured in today?s issue of Women?s Wear Daily.

'KING' Stars Rush & Sarandon, Lansbury, Fonda and More Celeb Bdwy Turns 'Rated' in the Sunday NYTimes
by Eddie Varley - April 5, 2009


EXIT THE KING which stars Geoffrey Rush, Susan Sarandon,Lauren Ambrose, Andrea Martin, William Sadler and Brian Hutchison, is just one of many of the current productions on Broadway that feature big name celebrities making starry bows on the New York stage.

EXIT THE KING's Rush, Sarandon Set For CBS2 News Sunday 3/29
by BWW News Desk - March 29, 2009


Geoffrey Rush and Susan Sarandon, who just received rave reviews in Broadway's EXIT THE KING will be featured guests on 'CBS2 News Sunday' this Sunday, March 29 at approximately 7:52am.

EXIT THE KING's Rush, Sarandon Set For CBS2 News Sunday 3/29
by Gabrielle Sierra - March 27, 2009


Geoffrey Rush and Susan Sarandon, who just received rave reviews in Broadway's EXIT THE KING will be featured guests on 'CBS2 News Sunday' this Sunday, March 29 at approximately 7:52am.

Photo Coverage: EXIT THE KING After Party at Sardi's
by Walter McBride - March 27, 2009


EXIT THE KING which stars Geoffrey Rush, Susan Sarandon, Lauren Ambrose, Andrea Martin, William Sadler and Brian Hutchison, officially opened on Broadway, Thursday, March 26 at the Barrymore Theatre (243 West 47th Street). BroadwayWorld.com's cameras were there to cover the opening night party as the cast celebrated!

Photo Coverage: EXIT THE KING Opening Night Arrivals
by Walter McBride - March 27, 2009


EXIT THE KING which stars Geoffrey Rush, Susan Sarandon, Lauren Ambrose, Andrea Martin, William Sadler and Brian Hutchison, officially opened on Broadway, Thursday, March 26 at the Barrymore Theatre (243 West 47th Street). BroadwayWorld.com's cameras were there to cover the grand opening night!

Photo Coverage: EXIT THE KING Curtain Call
by Walter McBride - March 27, 2009


EXIT THE KING which stars Geoffrey Rush, Susan Sarandon, Lauren Ambrose, Andrea Martin, William Sadler and Brian Hutchison, officially opened on Broadway, Thursday, March 26 at the Barrymore Theatre (243 West 47th Street). BroadwayWorld.com's cameras were there to cover the grand opening night!

EXIT THE KING Starts Broadway Reign 3/26
by Eddie Varley - March 26, 2009


EXIT THE KING which stars Geoffrey Rush, Susan Sarandon,Lauren Ambrose, Andrea Martin, William Sadler and Brian Hutchison, officially opens on Broadway tonight, Thursday, March 26 at the Barrymore Theatre (243 West 47th Street). Eugene Ionesco's classic comedy is directed by Neil Armfield, and translated by Armfield and Rush.

Photo Flash: EXIT THE KING at the Barrymore
by Gabrielle Sierra - March 24, 2009


EXIT THE KING, which stars Geoffrey Rush, Susan Sarandon, Lauren Ambrose, Andrea Martin, William Sadler and Brian Hutchison, is currently in previews and will open on Thursday, March 26 at the Barrymore Theatre (243 West 47th Street). Eugene Ionesco's classic comedy is directed by Neil Armfield, and translated by Armfield and Rush.

BC/EFA Announces EXIT THE KING Online Ticket Auction
by Gabrielle Sierra - March 18, 2009


In-keeping with their series of 'Extraordinary EBay' packages, Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS (BC/EFA) is proud to announce an online deliciously acidic auction item of royal proportions. Opening night tickets to the Ionesco classic comedy EXIT THE KING.

Photo Flash: EXIT THE KING at the Barrymore
by Eddie Varley - March 17, 2009


EXIT THE KING, starring Academy Award-winners Geoffrey Rush and Susan Sarandon, Lauren Ambrose, Andrea Martin, William Sadler and Brian Hutchison, will now offer a limited number of student rush tickets for $26.50 each. Student rush tickets will be sold the day of the performance when the box office opens. There is a limit of two tickets per person with valid ID and they are based on availability.

EXIT THE KING Star Sarandon Featured in NY Mag
by Eddie Varley - March 16, 2009


Academy Award-winner Susan Sarandon, who is currently starring on Broadway in EXIT THE KING is featured in the current issue of New York Magazine.

EXIT THE KING Offers Limited Student Rush Tix For $26.50
by Gabrielle Sierra - March 11, 2009


EXIT THE KING starring Academy? Award-winners Geoffrey Rush and Susan Sarandon, Lauren Ambrose, Andrea Martin, William Sadler and Brian Hutchison, will now offer a limited number of student rush tickets for $26.50 each. Student rush tickets will be sold the day of the performance when the box office opens. There is a limit of two tickets per person with valid ID and they are based on availability. www.ExitTheKingonBroadway.com

EXIT THE KING Begins Performances 3/7 At The Barrymore
by BWW News Desk - March 7, 2009


Academy? Award-winners Geoffrey Rush (Shine) as King Berenger and Susan Sarandon (Dead Men Walking) as Queen Marguerite will star in Eugene Ionesco's EXIT THE KING on Broadway. This production marks Rush's Broadway debut. Translated by Neil Armfield and Geoffrey Rush and directed by Neil Armfield, EXIT THE KING will begin performances Saturday, March 7, 2009 at the Barrymore Theatre (243 West 47th Street) and open on Thursday, March 26, 2009. This limited engagement will run for 14 weeks only, through Sunday, June 14, 2009.

EXIT THE KING Begins Performances 3/7 At The Barrymore
by Gabrielle Sierra - March 3, 2009


Academy? Award-winners Geoffrey Rush (Shine) as King Berenger and Susan Sarandon (Dead Men Walking) as Queen Marguerite will star in Eugene Ionesco's EXIT THE KING on Broadway. This production marks Rush's Broadway debut. Translated by Neil Armfield and Geoffrey Rush and directed by Neil Armfield, EXIT THE KING will begin performances Saturday, March 7, 2009 at the Barrymore Theatre (243 West 47th Street) and open on Thursday, March 26, 2009. This limited engagement will run for 14 weeks only, through Sunday, June 14, 2009.

Photo Flash: Sarandon & Rush Star in EXIT THE KING
by Robert Diamond - March 2, 2009


Academy? Award-winners Geoffrey Rush (Shine) as King Berenger and Susan Sarandon (Dead Men Walking) as Queen Marguerite will star in Eugene Ionesco's EXIT THE KING on Broadway. This production marks Rush's Broadway debut. Translated by Neil Armfield and Geoffrey Rush and directed by Neil Armfield, EXIT THE KING will begin performances Saturday, March 7, 2009 at the Barrymore Theatre (243 West 47th Street) and open on Thursday, March 26, 2009. This limited engagement will run for 14 weeks only, through Sunday, June 14, 2009.

Photo Coverage: 'EXIT THE KING' - Meet & Greet
by Walter McBride - February 19, 2009


EXIT THE KING is a hilarious and poignant comedy about a megalomaniacal ruler, King Berenger (Rush) whose incompetence has left his country in near ruin. Despite the efforts of Queen Marguerite (Sarandon) and the other members of the court to convince the King he has only 90 minutes left to live, he refuses to relinquish any control.

Exit The King FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What productions of Exit The King have there been?
Exit The King has had 2 productions including Broadway which opened in 1968 and Broadway which opened in 2009.
What Tony Awards has Exit The King been nominated for?
Best Costume Design of a Play for Dale FergusonBest Scenic Design of a Play for Dale Ferguson and Best Sound Design of a Play for Russell Goldsmith.
What awards has Exit The King been nominated for?
Exit The King has been nominated for several awards. It was nominated for Outstanding Revival of a Play at the Drama Desk Awards. The show also received a nomination for Outstanding Set Design of a Play at the Drama Desk Awards, with Dale Ferguson being recognized for his work. Additionally, Geoffrey Rush, who starred in the production, was nominated for the Distinguished Performance Award at the Drama League Awards. Furthermore, Geoffrey Rush was also honored with a Performance award at the Theatre World Awards.
What awards has Exit The King won?
Exit The King has won several awards, including the Outstanding Revival of a Play at the Drama Desk Awards. Additionally, Dale Ferguson won the Outstanding Set Design of a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for his work on the production. Geoffrey Rush, who was part of the cast, received the Distinguished Performance Award at the Drama League Awards and also won the Performance category at the Theatre World Awards.

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