West End Transfer 'The Seafarer' Begins NY Rehearsals 9/28

The National Theatre of Great Britain's critically acclaimed production of Conor McPherson's The Seafarer will begin rehearsals today, Friday, September 28.  The production, to be directed by McPherson, will star Conleth Hill, Ciarán Hinds, Sean Mahon, David Morse, and Jim Norton. Previews for The Seafarer begin Wednesday, October 31 for a Thursday, November 15 opening at the Booth Theatre (222 West 45th Street).

From Conor McPherson, the author of the Olivier Award-winning The Weir and the Tony-nominated Shining City, comes a chilling new play about the sea, Ireland, and the power of myth.

"It's Christmas Eve and Sharky (Morse) has returned to Dublin to look after his irascible, aging brother (Norton) who's recently gone blind. Old drinking buddies Ivan (Hill) and Nicky (Mahon) are holed up at the house too, hoping to play some cards. But with the arrival of a stranger (Hinds) from the distant past, the stakes are raised ever higher. In fact, Sharky may be playing for his very soul," explain press notes.

Two-time Olivier Award winner Conleth Hill (Stones in His Pockets, The Producers) will be reprising his role as 'Ivan Curry,' which he originated at The National Theatre in London. Ciarán Hinds is best known to audiences as 'Gaius Julius Caesar' in HBO's epic drama "Rome," and Closer in the West End and on Broadway. Sean Mahon will be making his Broadway debut as Nicky Giblin. Drama Desk Award winner David Morse (How I Learned to Drive) is returning to New York theatre after receiving an Emmy nomination for his guest starring role in "House, M.D." Jim Norton will be reprising his role as 'Richard Harkin' for which he received the 2007 Olivier Award.

Sean Mahon replaces the previously announced Ritchie Coster, who had to withdraw from the production due to scheduling conflicts.

The Seafarer received its world premiere in 2006 at the National's Cottesloe Theatre, opening to critical acclaim. The Seafarer received two Olivier Award nominations including Best New Play for McPherson. Jim Norton received the Olivier for Best Performance in a Supporting Role.

The creative team for The Seafarer includes: Rae Smith (set and costume design), Neil Austin (lighting design), and Mathew Smethurst-Evans (sound design).

The Seafarer is the latest National Theatre production to be produced on Broadway by Boyett Ostar Productions. Previous productions include Alan Bennett's Tony Award-winning The History Boys directed by NT director, Nicholas Hytner, as well as the recent productions of Coram Boy, Jumpers, Democracy and The Pillowman.

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