We Remember Nicholas Martin
By: Roundabout Theatre Company May. 08, 2014
In honor of the late Nicholas Martin and his accomplished stage career, we take a look back at his directorial work with us through the years.
Martin's first production with Roundabout was a revival of Jean Anouilh'sThe Rehearsal starring Roger Rees, David Threlfall, Frances Conroy, and Anna Gunn. A mirror play of sorts, the plot of The Rehearsal follows the residents of a 1950s French Château as they prepare to stage a comedy by Marivaux. The show opened in November 1996 at Criterion Center Stage Right and earned three Drama Desk Award nominations.
Frances Conroy and Roger Rees in 'The Rehearsal.' Photo by Joan Marcus.
In 1998, Martin returned to the Roundabout stage to direct George Bernard Shaw's You Never Can Tell. Known as one of Shaw's "Plays Pleasant," this comedy of errors provides a snapshot of popular opinion about love and mores at the turn of the 20th century, with particular emphasis on the forthcoming Feminist Movement. The production starred Roundabout alumni Helen Careyand Katie Finneran. The New York Times writer Wilborn Hampton reviewed Martin's production as "pleasant as a light, breezy summer's day at the seashore."
Robert Sean Leonard and Katie Finneran in 'You Never Can Tell.' Photo by Joan Marcus.
Martin's final production with Roundabout was a revival of Noël Coward's Present Laughter, which opened at the American Airlines Theatre in January 2010. Present Laughter is Coward's semi-autobiographical comedy about a self-indulgent actor, Garry Essendine, on the precipice of a mid-life crisis. Variety writer David Rooney lauded, "Martin's production is at its best - and truest to the sophistication and restraint that is key to Coward's comedy." The production starred veteran stage actor, and Martin's close friend, Victor Garber.
Victor Garber and Nicholas Martin. Photo by Peter Jacobsen.
In 2013, Martin was nominated for a Tony Award and an Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Direction of Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, which starred Roundabout alumni Kristine Nielsen (Les Liaisons Dangereuses, A Streetcar Named Desire) and Billy Magnussen (The Ritz).
Todd Haimes and the entire Roundabout Theatre Company staff mourn the loss of such a beloved member of our family. Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family at this difficult time.
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