RIALTO CHATTER: Jackson, Mantello & Barkin to Bring THE NORMAL HEART to Broadway's Golden Theater This Spring

BroadwayWorld has learned that just before the 2010-2011 season comes to a close, Larry Kramer's THE NORMAL HEART will open on Broadway at the Golden Theater starring Cheyenne Jackson, Joe Mantello and Ellen Barkin, to be directed again by Joel Grey.

Following an Actor's Fund benefit performance of the show starring Mantello and Glenn Close this past fall, rumors began swirling that Daryl Roth was hot to ressurect the property into a full-scale production - it's first on Broadway.  Securing an available theater had apparently held up her efforts. it is believed that Mantello will reprise his role as Ned Weeks.  Jackson will play his lover Felix Turner and Barkin will assume the role of Dr. Emma Brookner.

We're told that the deals are not yet complete, but that they're expected to be finished shortly and an announcement will follow including additional casting details.

The Normal Heart focuses on the rise of the HIV-AIDS crisis in New York City between 1981 and 1984, through the perspective of writer/activist Ned Weeks, a gay Jewish founder of a prominent HIV advocacy group.  The story centers on his unapologetic efforts while his partner, Felix, is dying with AIDS and pioneer Dr. Emma Brookner struggles to save him and others inflicted with the virus.

Produced by Joseph Papp and directed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg, the play first opened at The Public Theater on April 21, 1985 and ran for 294 performances. The original cast included Brad Davis as Ned and D.W. Moffett as Felix, with David Allen Brooks and Concetta Tomei in supporting roles. Joel Grey replaced Davis later in the run. In subsequent productions of the play, Ned Weeks was portrayed by Richard Dreyfuss in Los Angeles, Martin Sheen, Tom Hulce, and John Shea in London, and Raul Esparza in a 2004 off-Broadway revival directed by David Esbjornson.