Hart, Sharp seek 'Proof'

Play penned by Auburn, producers to buy film rights

By CHARLES LYONS, CATHY DUNKLEY

Producers John Hart and Jeff Sharp, via their Gotham-based Hart Sharp Prods. banner, are in negotiations to buy the film rights to the play "Proof," penned by David Auburn and currently running on Broadway with Mary-Louise Parker in the lead.

Though others reportedly bid on the rights, Auburn selected Hart and Sharp and will pen the screenplay adaptation. The play began its run at New York's Manhattan Theater Club before moving to the Walter Kerr Theater.

Story centers on a brilliant though insane U. of Chicago math professor who is dying, and his 25-year-old daughter, who is taking care of him. Storyline also turns on the daughter's own genius and growing insanity and on her relationship with her sister.

Hart Sharp, currently on a roll, optioned Kenneth Lonergan's "You Can Count on Me" screenplay and produced the film, later acquired out of Sundance by Paramount Classics. Prior to that, Hart Sharp financed "Boys Don't Cry" and produced it with Christine Vachon, who developed the pic, which was distributed by Fox Searchlight.

The producers more recently produced DeMane Davis and Khari Streeter's "Lift," an inner-city drama in competition at Sundance.

Hart Sharp first co-produced the Tony Award-winning Broadway revivals of "Chicago" and "Annie Get Your Gun." Company launched into features with "Dark Harbor," starring Alan Rickman, Polly Walker and Norman Reedus.