Photo Flash: The Farnsworth Invention

The Farnsworth Invention, Aaron Sorkin's new American play about the advent of television, directed by two-time Tony Award winner Des McAnuff, opens on Monday, December 3 at Broadway's Music Box Theatre. Previews began on Monday, October 15, 2007. The play stars Tony Award-nominee Hank Azaria as David Sarnoff, and Jimmi Simpson as Philo T. Farnsworth.

In addition to Azaria and Simpson, the cast also includes Nadia Bowers, Kyle Fabel, Maurice Godin, Christian McCarthy Johansen, Aaron Krohn, Kate MacCluggage, Bruce McKenzie, Malcolm Morano, Spencer Moses, Michael Mulheren, Jim Ortlieb, Michael Pemberton, Javier Picayo, Katharine Powell, Steve Rosen, Brian Russell, James Sutorius, Margot White, Alexandra Wilson, William Youmans.

"The Farnsworth Invention centers around the bitter conflict that pitted Philo T. Farnsworth (Jimmi Simpson), a boy genius who invented television as a high school student in 1927, against David Sarnoff (Hank Azaria), the head of the Radio Corporation of America (RCA). The legal battle between Farnsworth and RCA would later become known as one of the great, tragic examples of legal and industrial force combining to crush a rightful patent owner. In a race that would change humanity forever, two men battle one another for honor, glory and a place in the history books," explain press notes.

The Farnsworth Invention design team is comprised of Klara Zieglerova (Scenic Design), David C. Woolard (Costume Design), Howell Binkley (Lighting Design), Walter Trarbach (Sound Design). The creative team also includes Andrew Lippa (original music) and Lisa Shriver (movement).

Tickets to The Farnsworth Invention are available by calling Telecharge.com at (212) 239-6200, (800) 432-7250 outside the NY metro area, online at Telecharge.com or at the Music Box Theatre box office (239 W 45th St, between Broadway and 8th Avenue). Group sales tickets available by calling (877) 5-Dodger / (877) 536-3437.

Ticket prices for all performances (except Wednesday matinees) are $65, $85 and $100. Tickets prices for Wednesday matinees are $55, $80 and $95. An additional $1.50 theatre restoration charge will be added to the price of each ticket.

Performance schedule: Tuesday evenings at 7pm, Wednesday through Saturday evenings at 8pm, Wednesday and Saturday matinees at 2pm, Sunday matinees at 3pm. Visit www.FarnsworthOnBroadway.com

Photos by Joan Marcus