Theater News

A Musical of Great Importance to Open at LCT in the Fall

Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens
Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens

Lincoln Center Theater has announced the impending arrival of A Man of No Importance, a new musical that will begin previews at the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater there on September 12 and will open officially on October 10.

Expectations are high for this adaptation of the 1994 film of the same title. The musical has a book by Terrence McNally (Ragtime, The Full Monty, etc.) and a score by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens (Ragtime, Once on This Island, Seussical). Joe Mantello is set to direct the show; his previous credits at LCT include McNally’s drama Love! Valour! Compassion!. Until rehearsals begin for Importance, Mantello will be busy working with Stanley Tucci and Edie Falco on a revival of McNally’s Frankie and Johnny in the Claire de Lune, which opens on Broadway in July.

A Man of No Importance, set in Dublin in 1964, follows the efforts of a quiet character named Alfie to lead his amateur theater group in a production of Wilde’s Salome. The movie starred such British acting heavyweights Albert Finney and Michael Gambon; the musical will feature Broadway regulars including Ronn Carroll, Faith Prince, Martin Moran, and Michael McCormick, along with the very British Roger Rees. Lincoln Center Theater’s recent musical productions include Parade and Marie Christine.