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The Real Thing Revival

Closing: August 13, 2000

The Real Thing - 2000 Broadway History , Info & More

Ethel Barrymore Theatre (Broadway)
243 West 47th St. New York, NY

The Real Thing is a play by Tom Stoppard, first performed in 1982. It examines the nature of honesty, and its use of a play within a play is one of many levels on which the author teases the audience with the difference between semblance and reality.

The play focuses on the relationship between Henry and Annie, an actress who is part of a committee to free Brodie, a Scottish soldier imprisoned for burning a memorial wreath during a protest.


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Review Roundup: PROOF Returns to Broadway Starring Ayo Edebiri & Don Cheadle
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In April, 54 Below will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond, including Marilyn Maye, Claybourne Elder and many more. 

16 Theater Books for Your Spring 2026 Reading List
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Need a great book to spring into the new season? This spring, Broadway's best have put pen to paper to turn out theatre page-turners of every kind. From theatre biographies to theatre fiction; theatre books for kids to theatre history; check out our collection of 16 new Broadway books for every theatre lover's Spring 2026 reading list.

Review: DON QUIXOTE at San Francisco Ballet
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Exclusive: MEXODUS Returns Off-Broadway as Audible Brings the Live-Looping Sensation to Life in Stereo
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Interview: Justin Tanner of MY SON THE PLAYWRIGHT by Rogue Machine
by Shari Barrett - Feb 2, 2026


Justin Tanner works as a creative consultant for numerous projects in theatre, film, and television and has credits including more than 20 produced plays as well as credits writing TV shows and web series. I decided to speak with him about the process of writing such a personal play.

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To honour the life and work of playwright Tom Stoppard, who died at the age of 88, Mirvish Productions will dim the marquee lights of all four of its theatres in Toronto.

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In honor of the Aida’s 25th anniversary, BroadwayWorld spoke to stars Heather Headley (Aida), Adam Pascal (Radames), Sherie Rene Scott (Amneris), Schele Williams (Nehebka), as Thomas Schumacher (original producer and Disney Theatrical Group chief for its first three decades), lyricist Tim Rice, and book writer David Henry Hwang to compile an oral history of the show’s early days, transition to Broadway, and legacy beyond the boards.

Friends and Collaborators of Stephen Sondheim Who Appear in His Collection at The Library of Congress
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During his prolific and storied career, Sondheim collaborated with many other artists, from book writers to directors, from actors to musicians. Seeing Sondheim’s regular collaborators, close friends, one-time associates, mentors, and rare connections make appearances in his collection was both moving and illuminating.

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Review: GODSPELL at Stewartstown Summer Theatre
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The best thing about this production of Godspell is the sheer joy, love, and community that permeates the space.

The Real Thing History

Other Productions of The Real Thing

1984   Broadway
Broadway
2000   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
2010   West End Old Vic Production
West End
2014   Broadway Roundabout Theatre Production
Broadway
   West End
West End

The Real Thing - 2000 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners are highlighted with a background.
The Real Thing — awards and nominations
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
2000 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Actor - Play Stephen Dillane
2000 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Revival - Play Tom Stoppard
2000 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding Actor in a Play Stephen Dillane
2000 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding Director of a Play David Leveaux
2000 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play Jennifer Ehle
2000 Theatre World Awards Performance Jennifer Ehle
2000 Theatre World Awards Performance Stephen Dillane
2000 Tony Awards Best Direction of a Play David Leveaux
2000 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play Stephen Dillane
2000 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play Sarah Woodward
2000 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play Jennifer Ehle
2000 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Play The Donmar Warehouse
2000 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Play Miramax Films
2000 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Play Ron Kastner
2000 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Play Elizabeth Williams
2000 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Play Anita Waxman
1983 Olivier Awards Designer of the Year Carl Toms

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