Jez Butterworth's new play The Hills of California, which will cross the pond for a Broadway bow this fall, has announced initial casting. Performances will begin September 11 ahead of a September 29 opening night at the Broadhurst Theatre. Sam Mendes is at the helm, reuniting with Butterworth after staging the Off-Broadway, West End, and Broadway bows of his The Ferryman.
Straight from the play’s acclaimed London production, a number of the original company will come with the production, including Olivier winner and Tony nominee Laura Donnelly as Joan/Veronica, Leanne Best as Gloria, Ophelia Lovibond as Ruby, Helena Wilson as Jill, Nancy Allsop as Young Gloria, Sophia Ally as Young Ruby, Lara McDonnell as Young Joan, and Nicola Turner as Young Jill. Additional casting will be announced at a later date.
Set in a swelteringly hot 1970s summer, the piece sees the Webb sisters returning to their childhood home in the English seaside town of Blackpool. One sister hasn't been heard from in two decades, but her siblings hope that with their mother close to death upstairs that she might reappear after all.
The London production's creative team will reprise their work on Broadway, including scenic and costume designer Rob Howell, lighting designer Natasha Chivers, composer and sound designer Nick Powell, choreographer Ellen Kane, and music supervisor Candida Caldicot. U.K. casting is by Amy Ball, U.K. young persons' casting by Verity Naughton, and U.S. casting by Jim Carnahan and JV Mercanti.
Sonia Friedman Productions, No Guarantees Productions, Neal Street, Brian Spector, and Sand & Snow Entertainment, with Stephanie P. McClelland, are producing.
Sign up for a ticket presale at TheHillsofCalifornia.com.
See photos from the West End premiere:
Ophelia Lovibond in The Hills of California
Nicola Turner, Nancy Allsop, Lara McDonnell, and Sophia Ally in The Hills of California
Leanne Best in The Hills of California
Laura Donnelly and Lara McDonnell in The Hills of California
Laura Donnelly, Nicola Turner, Nancy Allsop, Lara McDonnell, and Sophia Ally in The Hills of California
Laura Donnelly in The Hills of California
Helena Wilson in The Hills of California
