Jake Gyllenhaal to Go to Farragut North for Bway Debut?

The New York Post's Michael Riedel reports that Oscar-nominee Jake Gyllenhaal is considering making his Broadway debut in Farragut North, a political drama by Beau Willimon.

According to the article, the Brokeback Mountain star played "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."  Gyllenhaal, who previously took part in a star-studded workshop of the play, will reportedly decide by the end of the week if he wishes to take it to Broadway.  Jeffrey Richards (Spring Awakening) would produce.

Titled after the Washington, D.C. Metro station that is located near many lobbyists' offices, the play is loosely based on democrat Howard Dean's 2004 presidential election campaign (during which playwright Willimon worked for Dean).  Riedel writes, "People involved in the reading say it reminds them of Primary Colors, Joe Klein's novel about the Clintons, and The Best Man, Gore Vidal's gripping 1964 play about presidential politics."  Directed by Tony Award-winner James Lapine (Spelling Bee, Sunday in the Park with George), the reading also featured Mark Blum, Denis O'Hare, Jessica Hect and Alison Pill.

An Academy Award-nominee for his performance as Jack Twist in Brokeback Mountain, Gyllenhaal has been seen on screen in such films as Zodiac, Jarhead, Proof, Moonlight Mile, Lovely & Amazing, Donnie Darko and October Sky.  He was previously seen on the London stage in Kenneth Lonergan's This Is Our Youth.

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