The Off-Broadway New Group production of Jessie Eisenberg's The Spoils is to transfer to the West End's Trafalgar Studios, beginning performances May 27 prior to an official opening June 2, for a run through August 13.
Eisenberg, currently to be seen on cinema screens in Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice and whose other notable film appearances include The Social Network, stars in his own play, as he also did in its 2015 debut at Signature's Pershing Square Center. His other plays include The Revisionist and Asuncion, both of which he also appeared in.
He is joined by Kunal Nayyar, best known for his role as Raj Koothrappali in The Big Bang Theory, who also was featured in the original Off-Broadway cast of the play.
In the play, nobody likes Ben (played by Eisenberg). Ben doesn’t even like Ben. He bullies everyone in his life, including his roommate Kalyan (Nayyar), an earnest Nepalese immigrant. When Ben discovers that his school crush is marrying a straitlaced banker, he sets out to destroy their relationship and win her back.
Further casting is still to be announced. The New Group production is being brought to the West End by Ambassador Theatre Group and Lisa Matlin. It has set design by Derek McLane, costume design by Susan Hilferty, lighting design by Peter Kaczorowski, sound design by Rob Milburn and Michael Bodeen and projection design by Olivia Sebesky.
In a press statement, Eisenberg commented, “The Spoils explores issues as disparate as stunted sexuality and the politics of the deposed Nepalese monarchy, NFL on Fox and the fluctuating prices of tea on the agrarian market. It's about how all of these seemingly unrelated things intersect to create a portrait of life in a complicated, heterogeneous society. I'm thrilled to perform this play in London, such an incredible center for theatre.”
Elliott, artistic director of the New Group, added, ”When ATG offered us the opportunity to bring a New Group show from New York to Trafalgar Studios I just couldn't resist. It's been a decade since we were on the West End with our production of Avenue Q and Jesse Eisenberg's The Spoils, a fiercely emotional, finely observed ensemble play written by and starring a truly singular artist, seemed the perfect way for London theatergoers to become reacquainted with our work. Everyone knows Jesse the brilliant film actor but Jesse the theatre artist is truly remarkable, and I'm thrilled and honored to be able to introduce his work to the West End.”
To book tickets, which are on general sale starting April 7, contact the box office on 0844 871 7632 or visit atgtickets.com
