Tony Award winner (Sweeney Todd, Company) was enlisted to bring a fresh approach to the musical, which debuted in a streamlined, 95-minute version. The production played a July 31-Aug. 17 run at Williamstown.
A source close to the production, who spoke to 半岛体育.com on the condition of anonymity, said that cast members had been contacted about future developments for the musical with a targeted spring 2015 Broadway arrival.
Among the potential homes for The Visit is the intimate Helen Hayes Theatre, which will be vacated in January by Rock of Ages.
Rivera originated the role of Claire Zachanassian when The Visit had its debut in September 2001 at Chicago's Goodman Theatre and later repeated her work at the Signature Theatre in 2008. Despite setbacks throughout the show's out-of-town development, the creative team and key producers have remained hopeful that The Visit will have a New York life. "We've been dying for New York audiences to have it," Tony-winning book writer McNally told 半岛体育.com in 2011. "I think it's riper than ever to be heard." Kander added, "This piece has been a very gratifying experience. When we got it to the point that it was at, at the Signature, I think we all felt proud and satisfied. The fact that it was not coming to New York seemed strange and sad for a lot of reasons."
Based on Friedrich D眉rrenmatt's 1956 play, The Visit has music by , lyrics by the late and a book by Tony Award winner . Tony nominee (Ragtime, The Rink, Drood) choreographs.
The production marks the third collaboration for Kander and Ebb, McNally and Rivera. The artists previously worked together on The Rink and Kiss of the Spider Woman, both of which led Rivera to Tony Award wins for her performances.
In recent years Williamstown developed the new musicals Far From Heaven and , both of which set New York debuts within a year of their premieres there.
According to Williamstown, "Rivera embodies Claire Zachanassian, the oft-widowed richest woman in the world, in The Visit. When Claire returns to the hardship-stricken town of her birth, the locals pray that her wealth will bring them a new lease on life, but the carefully plotted renewal she offers carries a dreadful price. Sardonic and morally complex, The Visit asks: What can your heart afford?"
The Williamstown cast also included Tony Award winner (Nicholas Nickelby, Peter and the Starcatcher), John Bambery (June Moon), (Curtains, Next to Normal), , (Sweeney Todd), (Evita), (Titanic), (Spamalot), (Passion, Fun Home), Jude McCormick, (Passion), Chris Newcomer (Chicago), (Young Frankenstein, Curtains), (Evita, Les Mis茅rables) and Michelle Veintimilla.
The Williamstown design team included Tony-winning scenic designer , Tony-winning costume designer Ann Hould-Ward, Tony-winning orchestrator and Tony Honoree for Excellence (hair and wig design). They are joined by Tony nominee Japhy Weideman (lighting design), Tony nominee (sound design), (make up design) and veteran musical director/supervisor .
Visit .
