Odds & Ends: Mark Strong & Hope Davis Set for New David Hare Play, Josh Groban Drops Comet Taster & More

Here's a quick roundup of stories you may have missed from today.

Mark Strong & Hope Davis Set for New David Hare Play
Tony nominees Mark Strong (A View From the Bridge) and Hope Davis (God of Carnage) will lead the previously reported world premiere of David Hare's The Red Barn at London's National Theatre, writes U.K. journalist Baz Bamigboye. Directed by Robert Icke, the play is set in Connecticut and follows two couples whose car breaks down in a blizzard. The production is scheduled to begin previews on October 6 and officially open on October 17 at the Lyttelton Theatre. We’re keeping a close eye on this one—it’s being produced in association with Broadway and Hollywood heavyweight Scott Rudin.

Harry Potter Star Slated for Unfaithful
Matthew Lewis, who appeared as Neville Longbottom in all of the Harry Potter films, has been tapped to star in the London premiere of Unfaithful. The blackly comic new play, also featuring Sean Campion (The Borgias), Niamh Cusack (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time) and Ruta Gedmintas (The Tudors), questions what it means to be lovers, partners and people. Directed by by Adam Penford and penned by Owen McCafferty, Unfaithful is set to run for a limited engagement August 25 through October 8 at Found111. Opening night is scheduled for August 31.

Victoria Clark & More Tapped for Madame Sousatzka
An update on the Broadway-aimed Madame Sousatzka, from the notorious producer Garth Drabinsky. Main Stem favorites Victoria Clark, Montego Glover and Tsidii Le Loka (the original Rafiki in The Lion King) are currently involved in a workshop of the stage adaptation of the 1988 Shirley MacLaine movie. Penned by Richard Maltby Jr. and David Shire, the New York Post reports that tuner plans to open in Toronto this fall, before possibly heading to New York next spring.

Josh Groban Drops Great Comet Taster
Josh Groban has just released for digital download “Dust and Ashes” from the new musical Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812. Featuring music and lyrics by Dave Malloy, the track will be distributed by Reprise Records; the new musical will blaze into Broadway’s Imperial Theatre on October 18. And, just because it's Friday, check out below Groban's rendition of "You'll Never Walk Alone" from Rodgers and Hammerstein 's Carousel. You're welcome.