Shia LaBeouf to Make His Broadway Debut Opposite Alec Baldwin in Orphans

Hollywood hunk Shia LaBeouf will make his Broadway debut this spring in Lyle Kessler's Orphans. The previously reported production will also star Alec Baldwin, and is set to begin performances on March 19, 2013 at the Schoenfeld Theatre. Opening night is set for April 7.

Directed by Tony winner Daniel Sullivan (Glengarry Glen Ross), Orphans is the story of two orphaned brothers living in a decrepit North Philadelphia row house. Treat (LaBeouf), the eldest, supports his damaged younger sibling by petty thievery, and makes the house a virtual prison for the seemingly simple-minded Phillip. One night Treat kidnaps a rich older man, Harold (Baldwin), who turns out to have his own motives and becomes the father figure the boys have always yearned for. Casting for the role of Phillip will be announced at a later date.

LaBeouf is well-known for his role as Sam Witwicky in the blockbuster Transformers franchise. His other TV and film credits include Lawless, Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Eagle Eye, Disturbia, Surf’s Up, A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints, Bobby, The Greatest Game Ever Played, I, Robot, Constantine, Holes and Even Stevens. 

Orphans was first mounted in New York at the Westside Theatre in a Steppenwolf Theatre Company production directed by Gary Sinise. The production starred John Mahoney (Frasier) as Harold and Kevin Anderson and Terry Kinney as the orphaned brothers. The drama opened on May 7, 1985, and played through January 5, 1986. In 1987, Albert Finney starred in the film adaptation as Harold.