Rain Man - Josh Hartnett makes West End debut
Preview by Lizzie Guilfoyle
HOLLYWOOD actor Josh Hartnett will make his West End debut in the stage adaptation of Rain Man, which opens at the Apollo Theatre on September 9, 2008 (previews from August 28).
Hartnett will play Charlie Babbitt, the role performed by Tom Cruise in the 1988 Oscar-winning film, with British actor Adam Godley as Raymond, his autistic brother. It was, of course, Dustin Hoffman who originated the role on film, winning the 1989 Academy Award for Best Actor.
Reimagined for stage and set in the present day, Rain Man is the story of Charlie Babbitt, a self-centred Los Angeles-based car dealer and hustler, and his relationship with his elder brother Raymond, an autistic savant who has been hidden away in an institution for most of his life.
Raymond is dysfunctional in many ways but, as Charlie soon discovers, he has a ‘gift’ which Charlie exploits to save his business. Together, they embark on a journey which shows Raymond a world beyond the hospital gates and teaches Charlie the meaning of unconditional love.
Hartnett’s numerous films include Pearl Harbor, Black Hawk Down, The Faculty, 30 Days Of Night, Virgin Suicides and The Black Dahlia. Commenting on his forthcoming role in Rain Man, he said: “
It has always been my intent to work on the London stage. While I’ve had many opportunities, it was only when I read the complex and charismatic character of Charlie Babbitt that I knew the time was right. I feel very fortunate to make my London bow with such an esteemed producer and director and I’m also looking forward to working with Adam Godley, who is such an extraordinary talent. Can’t wait to live and work in London, a city I adore!”
Godley’s theatre credits include Cleo, Camping, Emmanuelle and Dick (National Theatre) and Mouth to Mouth (Royal Court) for which he received Olivier nominations; The Pillowman, Paul, Two Thousand Years and Private Lives. On film he has appeared in Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, Elizabeth: The Golden Age and The X-Files: I Want To Believe.
Rain Man will be directed by David Grindley whose numerous London credits include Journey’s End, which transferred to Broadway; The Philanthropist (Donmar Warehouse); Honour, starring Diana Rigg (Wyndham’s Theatre); and Neil LaBute’s Some Girl(s) with Friends‘ star David Schwimmer (Gielgud Theatre).
Rain Man has been adapted for stage by Dan Gordon whose screenwriting credits include The Hurricane, Wyatt Earp, Murder In The First and Passenger 57. His stage adaptation of Terms of Endearment, starring Linda Gray, toured the UK last autumn.
Rain Man is booking until December 20, 2008. Buy tickets
Currently at the Apollo Theatre is Peter Schaufuss’s dance biopic Divas, which finishes its limited season on July 5.