Dates Set for Limited Engagement of A Life in the Theatre, Starring Patrick Stewart and T.R. Knight

Opening and closing dates have been set for the previously announced Broadway production of David Mamet’s A Life in the Theatre starring Patrick Stewart and T.R. Knight. The 15-week limited engagement will begin previews on September 21 at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, with opening night set for October 12. The play will run through January 2, 2011, directed by Neil Pepe.

Describing life in the footlights from an actor’s point of view, A Life in the Theatre focuses on the relationship between Robert, an older, experienced performer (Stewart) and John, a relative newcomer (Knight). Though Robert’s guidance is welcomed by John at first, as the play progresses the younger actor soon overshadows his mentor. The play had its world premiere at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago in February 1977 with Mike Nussbaum and Joe Mantegna. It opened off-Broadway on October 20, 1977, at the Lucille Lortel Theatre and ran for 288 performances, starring Ellis Rabb and Peter Evans.

The Broadway production of A Life in the Theatre will feature scenic design by Santo Loquasto, lighting design by Kenneth Posner and costume design by Laura Bauer. The play will be produced by Jeffrey Richards, Jerry Frankel and Steve Traxler, the lead producers of the current Race and Pepe’s revival of Speed-the-Plow, and Debbie Bisno Productions.