RIALTO CHATTER: Angela Bassett to Star Opposite Samuel L. Jackson in THE MOUNTAINTOP?

This morning on a Today Show appearance, Angela Bassett revealed that she's "weighing coming to New York to do a Broadway show" to the show's hosts, Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb.

Among the plays opening next season, The Mountaintop seems the most likely for Bassett; it's one of the more high-profile upcoming plays, and she and Samuel L. Jackson - on board to play Martin Luther King - starred together in Leslie Lee's Colored People's Time.

Although she didn't specify what play or what stage of negotiations she's in, Bassett went on to say that it was fortunate that her children were getting older because with them living in LA, "it's going to be hard, it'll be that sacrafice of flying back and forth...and maybe they can come out a couple of times." 

It certainly sounds like Bassett is leaning toward taking the role, and while she may ultimately decide to stay in Los Angeles, it's looking more likely that THE MOUNTAINTOP will be a thoroughly star-studded production.

Directed by Tony Award® nominee Kenny Leon (Fences, A Raisin in the Sun), The Mountaintop will begin performances on Tuesday, September 22, 2011, with an official opening on Thursday, October 13, 2011. Tickets went on sale yesterday.

Taking place on April 3, 1968, The Mountaintop is a gripping reimagining of events the night before the assassination of civil rights leader DR. Martin Luther King, Jr. After delivering his legendary ‘I've Been to the Mountaintop' speech, an exhausted Dr. King retires to his room at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis while a storm rages outside. When a mysterious young woman delivers room service, King is forced to confront his past, as well as his legacy to his people.

The Mountaintop is produced by Jean Doumanian, Sonia Friedman Productions, and Ambassador Theatre Group.

View Angela Bassett on the Today Show below: