VIDEO: Laura Linney Explains Origin of Alternating 'LITTLE FOXES' Roles with Co-Star

Actress Laura Linney stopped by this morning's TODAY to talk about the Broadway play The Little Foxes, for which she was just nominated for her fourth Tony Award, and reveals it was her idea to alternate roles with her co-star Cynthia Nixon at each performance. "It was actually an idea that came to me," says the actress, adding "men [switch off] all the time, but it's the first time women are doing it." Watch the appearance below!

Two extraordinary actresses return to Manhattan Theatre Club in a vibrant new production of Lillian Hellman's The Little Foxes. In a thrilling coup, MTC presents three-time Tony Award nominee Laura Linney (Time Stands Still, Sight Unseen) and Tony winner Cynthia Nixon (Rabbit Hole, Wit), who alternate playing the roles of Regina and Birdie in Lillian Hellman's legendary play about greed and ambition.

Set in Alabama in 1900, The Little Foxes follows Regina Giddens and her ruthless clan, including her sister-in-law Birdie, as they clash in often brutal ways in an effort to strike the deal of their lives. Far from a sentimental look at a bygone era, the play has a surprisingly timely resonance with important issues facing our country today. Tony winner Daniel Sullivan (Proof, Rabbit Hole) directs.

Photo courtesy of NBC