Blithe Spirits: Rupert Everett to make his Broadway debut

The New York Times reports that Rupert Everett will make his Broadway debut starring alongside Christine Ebersole in the Broadway revival of Noel Coward's comedy Blithe Spirits, to be directed by Michael Blakemore.

The report does not say what role Everett would play, but it is expected he will play 'Charles Condomine,' the comedy's male lead role.'

Everett first came to prominence when he starred as 'Guy Bennett' in Julian Mitchell's 'Another Country' which had its world premiere at the Greenwich Theatre in 1982, and later went on to transfer to London's West End. He was subsequently cast in the play's film adaptation. Other noteworthy film's he has starred in include 'My Best Friend's Wedding,' 'An Ideal Husband,' 'The Next Best Thing' and the 'Shrek' sequels.

As previously reported, Ebersole will star as the departed wife 'Elvira.' Ebersole won her first Tony for her role as 'Dorothy Brock' in '42nd Street' (2001 revival), and her second for her roles as 'Edie Beale / Edith Bouvier Bealei in 'Grey Gardens' (2006). Ebersole was nominated for a Tony for her work in 'Dinner at Eight' (2002 revival).

Earlier this month Variety reported that Angela Lansbury and Rupert Everett where on the producers "wish list" for the revival. If Lansbury joins the cast she will no doubt be cast as the 'eccentric medium 'Madame Arcati.'

The comedy, which was first produced on Broadway 1941, is expected to open on 26 Feb 2008 at a theatre to be announced according to the New York Times. An earlier report in Variety said the show would begin previews in Mar 2009, following previews from 26 Feb 2008

There has been no official announcement about this production.

Blithe Spirits tells the story of socialite Charles Condomine an author seeking to expose psychics. During a seance with the eccentric medium Madame Arcati, Charle's dead wife, Elvira (Christine Ebersole), is accidentally summoned and refuses to leave. Only Charles can see and communicate with Elvira, and he grows increasingly alarmed once he relises that his dead wife is planing to kill him so that he can join her on the otherside - a plan which has unfortunate consequences for his present wife, Ruth.

Director Michael Blakemore is the winner of two Tony Awards: 'Kiss Me, Kate' (2000 revival) and 'Copenhagen' (2000). He has been nominated for Tony's for his staging of 'The Life' (1997), 'City of Angels' (1990), 'Lettice and Lovage' (1990), 'Noises Off' (1984), 'A Day in the Death of Joe Egg' (1968).

Blithe Spirits was revived on Broadway in 1987, directed by Brian Murray, it featured 'Richard Chamberlain' as 'Charles Condomine,' Blythe Danner as 'Elvira,' 'Judith Ivey' as 'Ruth' and Geraldine Page as 'Madame Arcati.' Page was nominated for a Tony for Best Actress for her performance.

The production will be produced by Jeffrey Richards, Jerry Frankel and Steve Traxler, currently represented on Broadway by Tracy Letts� August: Osage County and Spring Awakening. They are also the team behind the Broadway revival of David Mamet's Speed-the-Plough playing at the Ethal Barrymore Theatre from 3 Oct 2008 - 22 Feb 2009.