Theater News

Mark Rylance to Return to Broadway in Farinelli and the King

The new drama is written by Claire van Kampen.

Mark Rylance as King Philippe in Shakespeare Globe's production of Farinelli and the King.
Mark Rylance as King Philippe in Shakespeare Globe’s production of Farinelli and the King.
(© Marc Brenner)

Oscar and three-time Tony winner Mark Rylance will return to Broadway this winter in the Shakespeare's Globe production of Claire van Kampen's Farinelli and the King. Directed by Jonathan Dove, the prodution will begin previews at the Belasco Theatre on December 5, with opening night set for December 17. The run is scheduled to conclude March 25.

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?

The work premiered at Shakespeare's Globe in 2015 before transferring to the West End's Duke of York's Theatre. The New York production returns Rylance to the Belasco, where he starred in Twelfth Night and Richard III.

Featured in the New York run will be original cast members Sam Crane as Farinelli, Huss Garbiya as Doctor José Cervi, Colin Hurley as Metastasio, and Edward Peel as De La Cuadra, with additional casting to be announced. The production also stars Grammy Award-winning countertenor Iestyn Davies as the singing voice of Farinelli.

Designed by Jonathan Fensom and featuring musical arrangements by van Kampen, the production will feature music played live on Baroque instruments, lit by the glow of candlelight. Onstage seating will be available for the duration of the run.

For tickets and more information, click here.

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Farinelli and the King

Closed: March 25, 2018