Michael McKean to Star in Broadway's Superior Donuts

Michael McKean will re-create his starring role in the forthcoming Broadway production of Tracy Letts’ Superior Donuts. McKean headlined the play’s premiere at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre in June 2008, directed by Tina Landau, who will also helm the Broadway mounting. Previews begin on September 16 at the Music Box Theatre in advance of an October 1 opening.

Described as a provocative comedy set in the heart of one of Chicago’s most diverse communities, Superior Donuts centers on Arthur Przybyszewski (McKean) who owns a decrepit doughnut shop in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago. Franco Wicks, a black teenager who is his only employee, wants to change the shop for the better. The play explores the challenges of embracing the past and the redemptive power of friendship. Casting for the teen role, which was played in Chicago by Jon Michael Hill, has not been announced.

McKean last appeared on Broadway in the 2007 revival of Harold Pinter’s The Homecoming and was featured in the Broadway revival of The Pajama Game and as Edna Turnblad in Hairspray. His film credits include This Is Spinal Tap and several films directed by Christopher Guest (A Mighty Wind, Best in Show).

Superior Donuts will be produced on Broadway by Jeffrey Richards, Jean Doumanian, Steve Traxler and Jerry Frankel, the team behind Letts' August: Osage County.