Cariou, Segal, Etc. Set for Geffen's Heroes, Opening 4/18

What do you get when you mix nostalgia, camaraderie and old War wounds with a bit of curmudgeonry?  Tears and laughter as Richard Benjamin (Philippe), Len Cariou (Henri), and George Segal (Gustave) trade jabs and barbs all while enhancing their fraternity as three decorated soldiers growing old in a Parisian Veterans home set in 1959.  Tom Stoppard translated Heroes from Gérald Sibleyras' play Le Vent des Peupliers, and Thea Sharrock directs the American Premiere at the Geffen Playhouse from April 10 to May 27, 2007. Opening night is set for April 18, 2007.

Heroes is a funny, heart-warming tale that proves there's strength in numbers especially when Gustave is grumpy and agoraphobic, Henri is complaisant and lame, and Philippe is unaffected with constant fainting spells… but at least they have their wits about them.  Two World Wars have passed and growing old has its limitations for the three who share not only the same terrace but a certain disdain for a fearsome Sister Madeleine and a peculiar 200 pound stone dog, which according to Gustave  makes them a "quartet."  The 2006 Olivier Award-winner for Best New Comedy is a moving portrait of loyalty with a few insults thrown in between.

Thea Sharrock also directed the Heroes' London premiere production at Wyndham Theatre which starred Richard Griffiths, John Hurt, and Ken Stott (October 2005).  Sharrock recently gained worldwide attention with her revival production of the critically acclaimed Equus featuring a defining role for Harry Potter's own Daniel Radcliffe.

The cast is as follows:

Richard Benjamin-Philippe

Len Cariou-Henri

George Segal-Gustave

The show will feature Design By:  Robert Jones, with Lighting Designer:  Howard Harrison, Sound Designer: Jonathan Burke, Production Stage Manager:  Mary Michele Miner, Assistant Stage Manager:  Susie Walsh.

Tickets ($35 to $69) are on sale now at the Geffen Playhouse box office, online at GeffenPlayhouse.com, via credit card phone order at 310.208.5454, at all Ticketmaster outlets (Robinsons May and Ritmo Latino locations), or by calling Ticketmaster at 213.365.3500. Performances are Tuesdays through Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.; Fridays at 8:00 p.m.; Saturdays at 4:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.; and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Adult rush ($35) and student rush ($15) tickets are available 10 minutes prior to curtain. For general information or to request a brochure, call 310.208.5454, or visit www.GeffenPlayhouse.com.