Manhattan Theatre Club's (Lynne Meadow, Artistic Director; Barry Grove, Executive Producer) American premiere of Tony Award winner Lee Hall's THE PITMEN PAINTERS opened last night, September 30 at MTC's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. The play began previews on Tuesday, September 14. BroadwayWorld was on hand for the opening and brings you photo coverage of the performance arrivals, curtain call and after-party below!
Manhattan Theatre Club, by special arrangement with Bob Boyett, produces the Live Theatre, Newcastle/National Theatre of Great Britain's co-production of THE PITMEN PAINTERS on Broadway.
The cast, who have been with the production since it premiered at Live Theatre in 2007, includes: Christopher Connel, Michael Hodgson, Ian Kelly, Brian Lonsdale, Lisa McGrillis, Deka Walmsley, David Whitaker and Phillippa Wilson. Max Roberts directs.
Inspired by a book by William Feaver, and hailed by London critics as "a glorious instant classic" (Evening Standard), "a wonderful piece of theatre" (Financial Times) "a beautiful work of art that everybody should see" (The Times of London), and "a superb piece of work; warm, funny, sad, and thought-provoking" (The Daily Telegraph), the play tells the story of the Ashington Group - miners from Northumberland who became celebrated painters. THE PITMEN PAINTERS was named Best Play at the 2008 Evening Standard Awards.
Direct from a sold-out engagement at London's National Theatre, this funny and fascinating new play by Tony Award winner Lee Hall (writer of Broadway's mega-hit Billy Elliot) comes to Broadway with its entire original London cast intact. THE PITMEN PAINTERS is based on the triumphant true story of a group of British miners who discover a new way to express themselves and unexpectedly become art-world sensations! An arresting and hilarious salute to the power of individual expression and the collective spirit, THE PITMEN PAINTERS takes you on an unforgettable journey from the depths of the mine to the heights of fame.
THE PITMEN PAINTERS features scenic and costume design by Gary McCann, lighting design by Douglas Kuhrt, and sound design by Martin Hodgson.
Tickets are available by calling Telecharge at 212-239-6200, online by visiting http://www.telecharge.com/, or by visiting the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre Box Office (261 West 47th Street). Ticket prices are $57 - $116.
For more information on MTC, visit www.ManhattanTheatreClub.com.
Photo Credit: Kevin Thomas Garcia
