Lincoln Center churning for 'Butter'

Sullivan first choice for helm

By CLAUDE BRODESSER

A deal for "Spinning Into Butter," a new and controversial play about race relations by Rebecca Gilman, seems to be in the offing at Lincoln Center Theater.

Having extended its run at Chicago's Goodman Theater three times this summer, the play, like Gilman, had become something of an "It Girl" of New York theater as producers from both commercial and not-for-profit institutions had been churning to court Gilman in recent weeks.

Lincoln Center exec producer Bernard Gersten would not deny that discussions were taking place. Asked if a deal was imminent, Gersten said, "I am not prepared to confirm that."

Some of those who had lined up to talk with Gilman are the producing team of Jane Harmon, Liz Oliver and Nina Keneally, (who most recently produced "The Last Night of Ballyhoo"); the Public Theater's George Wolf; Manhattan Theater Club; commercial producer Alexander H. Cohen; and Lincoln Center.

Gilman, who received more than 150 rejection notices before making her break in Chi at the minuscule Circle Theater Co. with "The Glory of Living," is in the unique position of calling the shots with most of New York's theatrical honchos. She seemed to have whittled down the field to Lincoln Center and the Manhattan Theater Club with the clear favorite being Lincoln Center. (Manhattan Theater Club execs were in London and could not be reached for comment.)

Directorial edict

One potential snafu to a Lincoln Center production, according to a source familiar with Gilman's plans, is the choice of director. Currently, the Goodman's production has Lez Waters attached to helm. Sources at Lincoln Center confirm that Daniel Sullivan -- who received kudos for his direction of Lincoln Center's "Ah, Wilderness!" at the Vivian Beaumont Theater and most recently helmed A.R. Gurney's "Far East" Off Broadway at the Mitzi Newhouse at Lincoln Center -- is artistic director Andre Bishop's first choice.

It remains to be seen if Gilman will approve this choice -- and if LCT will approve the legiters' current cast.

Gilman is repped by the Brett Adams Agency's Bruce Ostler in Gotham. (Ostler was on vacation and through an assistant would say only that "nothing's finalized.")