Dan Lauria to Star in Broadway’s Lombardi, to Open October 21 at Circle in the Square

Dan Lauria will play the title role in Eric Simonson’s Lombardi, which will perform at Broadway’s Circle in the Square Theatre, beginning previews on September 23 in anticipation of an official opening of October 21. Thomas Kail will direct.

The work is based on the best-selling biography When Pride Still Mattered, written by David Maraniss. It will tell the life and times of one of America’s most inspirational and mercurial personalities, Hall of Fame football coach Vince Lombardi. An additional five cast members and the creative team will be announced shortly.

Lauria is perhaps best known for playing the father on the series The Wonder Years. Lauria has appeared Off-Broadway in such productions as A Stone Carver, Ears on a Beatle, and most recently, Good Bobby. His work in regional theaters includes Inspecting Carol, The Value of Names and Sin: A Cardinal Deposed. The actor also is a former football coach, and he began acting while attending Southern Connecticut State University on a football scholarship.

The National Football League will be among the producers of the Broadway production, and it has authorized use of its logos and NFL Films’ footage and music. The league will also help promote and market the play.

Prior to Broadway, the show will have a limited engagement on July 22-28 at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center in Great Barrington, MA.