Tony and Emmy winner Bryan Cranston returns to Broadway in Network, based on the 1976 film of the same name. The new play opens December 6 at the Belasco Theatre, following previews that began November 10. Ivo van Hove directs the production, which features a script by Lee Hall (adapted from Paddy Chayefsky’s screenplay).
The play received its world premiere at London’s National Theatre last year. Cranston earned an Olivier Award for his performance as news anchor Howard Beale, played on screen by the late Peter Finch. When Howard unravels live on screen during his final broadcast, the ratings soar, and the network seizes on the populist prophet.
The cast for the New York engagement also includes Tony Goldwyn (Scandal) as Max Schumacher, Tatiana Maslany (Orphan Black, Mary Page Marlowe) as Diana Christensen, and Tony winner Frank Wood as Nelson Chaney.
Rounding out the company are Joshua Boone as Frank Hackett, Alyssa Bresnahan as Louise Schumacher, Ron Canada as Edward Ruddy, Julian Elijah Martinez as Harry Hunter, Nick Wyman as Arthur Jensen, Barzin Akhavan, Jason Babinsky, Camila Canó-Flaviá, Eric Chayefsky, Gina Daniels, Nicholas Guest, Joe Paulik, Susannah Perkins, Victoria Sendra, Henry Stram, Bill Timoney, Joseph Varca, Nicole Villamil, and Jeena Yi.
The production features music and sound design by Eric Sleichim, sets and lighting by Jan Versweyveld, costumes by An D’Huys, and video design by Tal Yarden. Casting is by Telsey + Company.
Audiences were invited to be a part of the staging by recording a video that would potentially be featured in the video design. Theatregoers who wish to be involved without it being preserved on screen have the opportunity to sit onstage for an immersive dining experience dubbed Foodwork.
Performances are currently scheduled through March 17, 2019.
