RIALTO CHATTER: Cumberbatch One Step Closer to Broadway with AFTER THE DANCE?

As previously reported by BroadwayWorld and first mentioned in the UK Daily Mail, a Broadway run of AFTER THE DANCE with Benedict Cumberbatch is looking more and more likely for the fall.  Last month, the Daily Mail reported that producers were in "very serious" negotiations for the move.  Today. Michael Riedel reveals in the New York Post that BOOK OF MORMON producer Stuart Thompson has acquired the rights and is planning spearheading the transfer.  

Riedel writes: "'After the Dance' was revived by The National Theatre last year with Benedict Cumberbatch ("Sherlock") in the lead. He'll tackle the role on Broadway later this year."

Aside from his role in AFTER THE DANCE, Cumberbatch starred in Sherlock Holmes for BBC TV. He is also set to star in Steven Spielberg's War Horse film, and is currently alternating leads in Danny Boyle's FRANKENSTEIN.

AFTER THE DANCE, written by Terence Rattigan, premiered at London's St James's Theatre in 1939. It was not one of Rattigan's more successful plays, closing after only sixty performances; however, the 2010 revival, directed by Thea Sharrock, garnered four Olivier Awards including Best Revival. 

If all works out, the production would arrive in New York next spring, perhaps with Cumberbatch's co-stars Nancy Carroll and Adrian Scarborough. Don't make plans to see a Broadway mounting of the show just yet, though - it's said to be far from a done deal.