John Grisham is one of our most prolific writers of legal thrillers, and paired with Tony® Award-winning playwright Rupert Holmes’ stage adaptation of A Time to Kill, this portends to be one of the season’s major productions.
Previews begin Saturday, September 28, 2013, at the John Golden Theatre (252 West 45th Street). This new Broadway play holds the distinction of being the first-ever John Grisham property to be adapted for the stage. Ethan McSweeny directs. Sebastian Arcelus, Chike Johnson, Patrick Page, Tony Award® winner Tonya Pinkins, Emmy Award® winner Tom Skerritt, Fred Dalton Thompson, John Douglas Thompson, and Ashley Williams plus Jeffrey M. Bender, Dashiell Eaves, J.R. Horne, John Procaccino, Tijuana Ricks, and Lee Sellars will star. A Time to Kill is produced by Tony® Award winner Daryl Roth and Eva Price. Opening night is set for Sunday, October 20, 2013.
A Time to Kill tells the emotionally charged, incendiary story of a young, idealistic lawyer, Jake Brigance, defending a black man, Carl Lee Hailey, for taking the law into his own hands following an unspeakable crime committed against his young daughter. Their small Mississippi town is thrown into upheaval, and Jake finds himself arguing against the formidable district attorney, Rufus Buckley, and under attack from both sides of a racially divided city. This thrilling courtroom drama remains as grippingly relevant today as it was when Grisham’s story was first published in 1989.
“For almost a quarter of a century, A Time to Kill has captivated readers with its raw exploration of race, retribution and justice,” saidJohn Grisham in a statement. “It was my first book and the first that I have allowed to be adapted for the theatre. Rupert Holmes did an excellent job of translating it from the page to the stage, and I am happy that not only my loyal readers, but a whole new audience will be able to experience this story in live theatre. I am looking forward to opening night on Broadway!”
The design team for A Time to Kill features scenic design by James Noone, costume design by Tony Award® nominee David C. Woolard, lighting design by Tony Award® winner Jeff Croiter, original music and sound design by Lindsay Jones, and projection design by Jeff Sugg.
For tickets and info, visit www.ATimeToKillOnBroadway.com.