Producers of Network have announced that the new Broadway play has recouped its investment in its 15th week at the Belasco Theatre. The stage adaptation of the 1976 film began performances in November before officially openings December 6 last year.
As recently announced, the Ivo van Hove-helmed production is scheduled to run on extension through June 8 (the eve of the 2019 Tony Awards).
The multimedia-driven staging has consistently surpassed its weekly gross potential, thanks in part to largely positives reviews—particularly for its star, Tony winner and Oscar nominee Bryan Cranston, who takes on the role of Howard Beale after winning an Olivier Award for his performance in London.
Among those joining Cranston for the New York bow are Tony Goldwyn as Max Schumacher, Tatiana Maslany as Diana Christensen, and Tony winner Frank Wood as Nelson Chaney.The play, adapted from Paddy Chayefsky's screenplay by Lee Hall, follows the unexpected rise and fall of news anchor Howard, who unravels live on screen during his final broadcast. When the ratings soar, the network seizes on the opportunity to exploit the populist prophet.
The Broadway producing team includes David Binder, the National Theatre, Patrick Myles, David Luff, Ros Povey, and Lee Menzies.
