Christopher J. Hanke Joins CBS THREE RIVERS Pilot

BroadwayWorld has learned the news that stage favorite Christopher J. Hanke has landed a role in the upcoming CBS pilot "Three Rivers". The one hour CBS drama is set in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Hanke will play Ryan, a series regular, young fresh-out-of water character who finds his way into working as the transplant coordinator even though he has no medical experience.

"Three Rivers," a CBS Paramount Television production, was written by Carol Barbee ("Jericho," "Swingtown," "Judging Amy") and will be executive-produced by Curtis Hanson ("L.A. Confidential"), who directed the 2000 movie "Wonder Boys" in Pittsburgh. Don Attias is director.

The CBS pilot "Three Rivers" has begun production in Pittsburgh this week.

The pilot episode for the Pittsburgh-set medical drama will tell stories from the points of view of transplant surgeons, donors and recipients.

Hanke has performed leading roles on Broadway in Cry-Baby; Rent (Mark); and In My Life (J.T.). His other New York theater appearances include HAIR in the Park (Claude), Golden Age (Buddy Baxter); Indian Blood reading at Lincoln Center Theater (Eddie); and The Story of My Life (Alvin) at Manhattan Theater Club's 6@6 series. He has played lead roles in the national tours of Deaf West's Big River (Tom Sawyer) and The Full Monty (Ethan). His regional credits include The Matchmaker (Barnaby), directed by Mark Lamos.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.