Farinelli and the King Celebrates 100 Performances on Broadway
(© Jeff Mills)
The Shakespeare's Globe production of Farinelli and the King played its 100th performances at its home at Broadway's Belasco Theatre on Saturday, March 3. The production, led by three-time Tony winner Mark Rylance, continues through March 25.
The new play by Claire van Kampen is directed by John Dove and designed by Jonathan Fensom, with musical arrangements also by Claire van Kampen.
Rylance plays King Philippe V of Spain. Plagued by insomnia, he lies awake in his chamber. The queen, desperate for a cure, hears of Farinelli — a castrato with a voice so divine it has the power to captivate all who hear it. Philippe is astonished when Farinelli sings, and begs him to stay. But will Farinelli, one of the greatest celebrities of his time, choose a life of solitude over fame and fortune in the opera houses of Europe?
(© Jeff Mills)
The production also stars Grammy Award-winning countertenor Iestyn Davies as the singing voice of Farinelli. Davies alternates performances with acclaimed countertenor James Hall, with Eric Jurenas serving as the role's standby.
The company also includes Sam Crane as Farinelli, Huss Garbiya as Doctor José Cervi, Simon Jones as John Rich, Edward Peel as De La Cuadra, Melody Grove as Isabella Farnese, Lucas Hall as Jethro and standby for Farinelli, Peter Bradbury as understudy for the roles of Doctor José Cervi, John Rich, and De La Cuadra, and Margot White as understudy for the role of Isabella Farnese.
Farinelli and the King originally played at Shakespeare's Globe's Sam Wanamaker Playhouse in February 2015. The production later played a sold-out engagement on the West End in fall 2015, receiving six Olivier Award nominations.
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