Giancarlo Esposito Joins Cast of 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof'

Giancarlo Esposito will play 'Gooper' in the new production of Tennessee Williams' Pulitzer Prize winning play Cat on a Hot Tin Roof directed by multiple Emmy winner and two-time Tony nominee Debbie Allen. 

He joins the previously announced cast of Terrence Howard, Phylicia Rashad, Anika Noni Rose and James Earl Jones.  Cat on a Hot Tin Roof will begin performances on Tuesday, February 12, 2008 and will open on March 6, 2008 tickets are on sale through April 13, 2008 at Broadway's Broadhurst Theatre. This production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof is being presented by Front Row Productions and produced by Stephen C. Byrd.

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof has been revived on Broadway four times before, this production marks the first African – American production approved by Williams' estate for the Broadway stage. This revival of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof is not only making Broadway history, it is making American theater and black theater history too!

Best known to theatergoer's for his award winning work on stage, Giancarlo has won two Obie award's for "Zooman and The Sign" at the Negro Ensemble Company, and "Distant Fires" at The Atlantic Theatre Company, where he performs and, teaches as a company member.  Giancarlo has a long list of Broadway credits, including, "Sacrilege," "Merrily We Roll Along," "Seesaw" and "Lost in the Stars" to name a few.  Giancarlo's work in film has been dynamic and he has often been referred to as a chameleon. He has distinguished himself in such films as; "The Usual Suspects", Wayne Wang's "Smoke" and Mr. Wang's "The Last Holiday," opposite Queen Latifah. He has also starred opposite Paul Newman in "Twlight" and Clive Owen in "Derailed." He received an Independent Spirit Award nomination for his performance in "Fresh," and his work in several Spike Lee movies is legendary. They include; "Do The Right Thing," "Mo Betta Blues" and "Malcolm X."  Among Esposito's other numerous film credits are "Sherrybaby," "Ali," "Nothing To Lose," "Bob Roberts," "King of New York," and "Cotton Club."  Many may remember Him from his work in television; most notably "Homicide Life on The Streets," "Law and Order," and "Kidnapped."  Giancarlo recently completed his feature film debut as a director/writer, with "Gospel Hill."

"Hypocrisy, greed and secret passions threaten to tear apart a wealthy but dysfunctional Mississippi family in Tennessee Williams' stunning American masterpiece. Cat on a Hot Tin Roof searingly portrays the larger-than-life characters of Maggie "the Cat," her alcoholic husband, Brick, and the dominating family patriarch, Big Daddy," explain press notes.

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, by Tennessee Williams, directed by Debbie Allen begins performances Tuesday, February 12; Opening night is Thursday, March 6, 2008.

Tickets go on sale on December 29, 2007. Cat on a Hot Tin Roof is on sale through April 13, 2008. Tickets can be purchased at www.telecharge.com or by calling (212) 239- 6200. Group Sales: broadwayinbound.com