John Grisham’s A Time to Kill to Hold Court at Broadway’s Golden Theatre This Fall

It's finally Time! Tony winner Rupert Holmes' stage adaptation of John Grisham’s best-selling novel A Time to Kill will play Broadway’s Golden Theatre this fall. Directed by Ethan McSweeny, the courtroom drama begins previews September 28, with an opening night set for October 20. Casting and the creative team will be announced soon.

“For almost a quarter of a century, A Time to Kill has captivated readers with its raw exploration of race, retribution and justice,” said John Grisham in a statement. “It was my first book and the first that I have allowed to be adapted for the theater. Rupert Holmes did an excellent job of translating it from the page to the stage, and I am happy that not only my loyal readers, but a whole new audience will be able to experience this story in live theater. I am looking forward to opening night on Broadway!”

A Time to Kill tells the emotionally charged story of a young, idealistic lawyer, Jack Brigance, defending a black man, Carl Lee Hailey, for taking the law into his own hands following an unspeakable crime committed against his young daughter. Their small Mississippi town is thrown into upheaval, and Jake finds himself arguing against the formidable district attorney, Rufus Buckley, and under attack from both sides of a racially divided city.

Grisham’s best-selling novel was published in 1989 and adapted into a major motion picture starring Matthew McConaughey, Samuel L. Jackson, Sandra Bullock and Kevin Spacey in 1996. The stage play premiered at Washington D.C.’s Arena Stage in May 2011. The production was also directed by McSweeny and starred Sebastian Arcelus and Dion Graham. Daryl Roth and Eva Price will produce the Broadway production.

Take a look at the D.C. production below.