'Invisible Man' will materialize on B'way
Legiter heads for unusual just-after-Tonys bow
Producer and Off Broadway theater owner Alan Schuster is bringing in the Cleveland Playhouse production of "Invisible Man" and heading for an unconventional, just-after-the-Tonys Broadway bow in mid-June.
"That goes against conventional wisdom, but then I guess I'm just that kind of guy," said Schuster, who added that the paucity of available houses was also a factor.
Most producers are reluctant these days to open plays right after the frequently life-sustaining Tony Awards, as it's increasingly difficult for straight legiters to stay open a full year without a Tony, or at least a nomination.
Discussions are ongoing with both the Shubert and Nederlander organizations for a 1,000-seat house. But the comedy/drama with music does already have a sizable cast, with Jim Dale ("Barnum," "Candide") to topline. Frank Dunlop is attached to helm.
Penned by Ken Hill, with music by Brendan Healy, legiter centers on a show-within-a-show setting that has the audience watching an English vaudeville act, circa 1904. Meanwhile, the main players relay the tale of a former chemist turned translucent murderer, with Dale toplining as Thomas Marvel, the comedic eyewitness to the foul deeds.
The adaptation of the classic H.G. Wells story is as much David Copperfield as it is "Edwin Drood," with illusions handled by the wizardly f/x maven Jim Steinmayer. Other commercial producers are likely to join Schuster, but he declined comment on potential names. No G.M. has been selected.
