Tony-winning Spring Awakening director Michael Mayer, most recently represented on Broadway with the Tony-winning revival of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, will direct the Broadway revival.
Stacey Mindich and Jessica R. Jenen are producing the drama, which will begin performances in February 2017 prior to an official opening March 6 at the Hudson, located at 139-141 West 44th Street. Restored by the Ambassador Theatre Group, the Hudson will be the 41st functioning Broadway theatre. The production will play a limited engagement through June 2017.
Gyllenhaal, seen on New York stages in Constellations and Little Shop of Horrors, had been rumored to star in a revival of the Wilson work, and was confirmed by producers July 19.
The actor will also star in New York City Center’s benefit concert presentations of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s Sunday in the Park With George this October.
Mark Cornell, Ambassador Theatre Group’s Chief Executive Officer, said “We are thrilled that Jake will star in the first play at The Hudson Theatre in almost 50 years. We can’t wait to welcome audiences to see Michael Mayer’s new production.”
Mayer added, “I am honored to bring Lanford Wilson's gorgeous and timeless play back to Broadway in a new production starring Jake Gyllenhaal, whose stage work has been exhilarating and who is a dream choice for this role.... What a joy to reopen the historic Hudson Theatre. In the midst of an exquisite restoration, the intimate playhouse is the perfect home for this modern American classic.”
According to previous production notes, “At the core of Burn This is Anna, a dancer-choreographer who, up until the unexpected death of her roommate and dancing partner, Robbie, has been consumed by her career. Now in her grief, she meets Pale, Robbie's older brother, who bursts into her apartment to retrieve Robbie's belongings, and ends up staying for a while. Pale is dangerous, sexy, raw and demanding, and he interrupts the course of Anna's existence bringing major changes in her life.”
Burn This opened on Broadway in October 1987, playing seven previews and 437 regular performances at the Plymouth Theatre. Directed by Marshall W. Mason, the cast included Joan Allen as Anna, John Malkovich as Pale, Jonathan Hogan as Burton and Lou Liberatore as Larry. Allen received a Tony Award for her performance.
