Farragut North: will Jake Gyllenhaal make his Broadway debut in the fall?

The New York post reports that Jake Gyllenhaal is anxious to make his Broadway debut, which may happen as early as the Fall of 2007, if he agrees to accept the role in a new political drama, Farragut North, written by playwright Beau Willimon.

The paper reports that a 'hush-hush' reading of the play took place last week at which Gyllenhaal played the role of "a young, idealistic communications director who works for an inspiring, though unorthodox, presidential candidate. During the campaign, his career is done in by more seasoned politicos who thrive on poisonous partisan politics, dirty tricks and back-stabbing."

The reading was staged by James Lapine (Spelling Bee, Passion), and also featured Mark Blum, Denis O'Hare , Jessica Hecht and Alison Pill.

The article says that Jake Gyllenhaal will decide next week if he will play the role. If he accepts, then Broadway producer Jeffrey Richards (Spring Awakening, Talk Radio, Radio Golf) will bring the show to Broadway in the fall.

Beau Willimon (playwright) is no stranger to political shenanigan's, having worked for Dean's 2004 presidential race, Chuck Schumer's 1998 U.S. Senate race, Hillary Clinton's 2000 Senate race, and Bill Bradley's 2000 presidential bid.

His new play is said to be "loosely based on Howard Dean's 2004 campaign for the White House."

Jake Gyllenhaal