Downton Abbey Star Dan Stevens to Join Jessica Chastain in Broadway Revival of The Heiress

Downton Abbey star Dan Stevens will make his Broadway debut as Morris Townsend in the forthcoming revival of Ruth and Augustus Goetz’s classic play The Heiress. Stevens joins previously announced stars Jessica Chastain and David Strathairn. Directed by Moisés Kaufman, The Heiress will begin performances October 2012 at a theater yet to be announced.

Stevens is best known as Matthew Crawley on TV’s Downton Abbey. His West End credits include Arcadia, The Vortex and Every Good Boy Deserves Favour. His additional TV and film credits include Hide, The Turn of the Screw, Dracula and the forthcoming film Summer in February.

The Heiress is the story of Catherine Sloper (Chastain), a wealthy but plain-looking woman who falls in love with the poor, handsome bachelor, Morris Townsend (Stevens). Although Catherine is smitten, her father, Dr. Austin Sloper (Strathairn) suspects Morris is only after the family’s money.

The Heiress will be produced by Paula Wagner, Roy Furman and Stephanie P. McClelland.