On October 21, the Broadway production of the acclaimed new play The Ferryman officially opened at the Bernard J. Jacobs Theatre. Having been nominated for eight Olivier Awards (winning three for Best Actress Laura Donnelly, Best Director of a Play Sam Mendes, and Best New Play), the play received raves in its New York transfer.
Read: WHAT DID BROADWAY CRITICS THINK OF JEZ BUTTERWORTH’S LONDON HIT THE FERRYMAN
The play, written by Tony-nominated playwright Jez Butterworth (Jerusalem), features 21 characters in an epic ensemble piece. Set during the historic Troubles on a farm in Northern Ireland, the drama evolves and shifts over a riveting three acts.
During the opening celebration at the Edison Ballroom in Midtown Manhattan, Butterworth and the company (spanning three generations of actors and as many countries of origin) greeted Playbill on the opening night red carpet.
“Tonight I sat there hanging on the edge of my seat,” said Butterworth of watching his own work. “I don't think it's down to me. The reason I don’t write novels is to put it in the hands of 25 other artists from the age of like eight months old to in their late 70s and give it to them to tell. I'm so proud of my other storytellers—my actual storytellers.”
Star Genevieve O’Reilly told Playbill it was the confluence of the stellar writing, Sam Mendes’ direction, and the full company of actors that make the play so satisfying. Watch the full red carpet special above to hear what her co-stars (including a special interview with the youngest cast members) had to say about their experience in the sweeping new piece.
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