RIALTO CHATTER: Riedel Says Zeta-Jones, Lansbury Set For 'A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC'

The New York Post's Michael Riedel reports today in his 'On Broadway' column in the The New York Post that the upcoming revival of Stephen Sondheim's A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC has found its leading ladies. Riedel reveals that Catherine Zeta-Jones and recent Tony Award winner Angela Lansbury have agreed to appear in the production. 

BroadwayWorld.com checked with the press agent for the show, Chris Boneau, at 5pm today who stressed "that the news is still a rumor."

Riedel's article notes that Lansbury was keen to play Madame Armfeldt, provided the producers lined up another star to play her daughter, Desiree. The producers, after an anxious search, struck Hollywood gold with their catch for the role, Oscar winner Catherine Zeta-Jones. Zeta-Jones won an Oscar as Velma Kelly in the film "Chicago" and got her start on the West End musical stage.

Riedel states in his column that Stephen Sondheim himself called Zeta-Jones and persuaded her to do "NIGHT MUSIC." It will open at the Walter Kerr in December 2009. 

Read the full story in The New York Post by clicking here

In April, it was announced that a revival of Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler's A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC is headed for Broadway. The production will be directed by Tony Award-winner Trevor Nunn, and will utilize the creative team behind the recent London production, which opened at the Menier Chocolate Factory before transferring to the Garrick Theatre on December 3, 2008.

The production will be produced by David Babani for Chocolate Factory Productions; Andrew Fell; and the Frankel, Viertel, Baruch, Routh Group. In addition to Director Nunn, A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC will include Musical Supervision by Carolyn Humphris, Musical Direction by Tom Murray, Choreography by Lynne Page, General Management by Frankel/Green Theatrical Management and Casting by Tara Rubin Casting.

This will be the first Broadway Revival of A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC. The show made its premiere on Broadway at the Shubert Theatre on Feb. 25, 1973. The cast featured Len Cariou as Fredrik, Hermione Gingold as Madame Armfeldt, and Glynis Johns as Desiree. The score to the popular Sondheim musical includes the often-recorded "Send in the Clowns" and "Every Day a Little Death."

Photo Credit: Sarah DeBoer/Retna Ltd.