STREETCAR Update: More Broadway Buzz

As previously reported, buzz has begun that the Cate Blanchett-led production of "A Streetcar Named Desire," now playing its final performances at BAM, may have a Broadway future.  In a new report in the New York Times, Patrick Healy reports: "Stephen C. Byrd, a theater producer who holds the rights to mount "A Streetcar Named Desire" on Broadway, said in an interview that he would "love" to transfer the critically acclaimed production now at the Brooklyn Academy Of Music, starring Cate Blanchett, to Broadway in 2010."

A move would not occur sooner than the Spring of 2010, allegedly, as all of the performers are booked to fly home to their native Australia on December 21 after the final performance.

Says Byrd: "From what I've heard, it's fabulous, and I plan to reach out to Cate and her theater company to talk about bringing the show to a wider audience. I hope she will consider it. I'd love to be involved."

Another producer Stuart Thompson ("God of Carnage," "Exit the King") is also interested in transferring the project.

To read the full report in the New York Times, click here.

In a special winter presentation, Sydney Theatre Company returned to BAM with Tennessee Williams' "A Streetcar Named Desire," directed by renowned actor/director/writer Liv Ullmann and featuring Academy Award-winning actress/Sydney Theatre Company Co-Artistic Director Cate Blanchett as Blanche DuBois, Joel Edgerton at Stanley Kowalski, Robin McLeavey as Stella Kowalski, and Tim Richards as Mitch. The production marks Liv Ullmann's U.S. directorial debut and Blanchett's second BAM engagement-following her acclaimed performance in Sydney Theatre Company's Hedda Gabler (2006 Spring Season). The production will run from November 27- through December 20.

"A Streetcar Named Desire" is the story of the determined, yet fragile, repressed and delicate Blanche DuBois, set in the New Orleans apartment of her sister, Stella, and animalistic brother-in-law, Stanley. The Pulitzer Prize-winning play opened on Broadway in New York in 1947 and guaranteed Williams' status as one of the major American Playwrights.

The presentation of "Streetcar" in America marks U.S. directorial debut of Liv Ullmann and features set design by Ralph Myers, costume design by Tess Schofield, lighting design by Nick Schlieper, and sound design by Paul Charlier.

The production will play the BAM Harvey Theater through November 20. Tickets are $30, $65, $95 (Tues-Thurs); $40, $80, $120 (Fri-Sun) and can be purchased by calling 718.636.4100 or by visiting BAM.org (**A Streetcar Named Desire: Belle Rêve Gala, performance begins at 8pm)