Theater News

Kevin Spacey to Star in Clarence Darrow at New York's Arthur Ashe Stadium

The solo show will run for two nights only.

Kevin Spacey as Clarence Darrow.
Kevin Spacey as Clarence Darrow.
(photo provided by DKC/O&M)

Kevin Spacey is set to star in Clarence Darrow, the acclaimed solo show written by David. W. Rintels and directed by Thea Sharrock. First presented at the Old Vic Theatre in London, it will now come to New York for a unique two-night event at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing, New York, on June 15 and 16.

At the turn of the last century, Clarence Darrow was a lawyer who steadfastly accepted cases nobody would take, fighting on behalf of the underdog and standing up for labor unions as well as being a staunch opponent of the death penalty during a career that spanned over 40 years. Through his dignity, intelligence, and logic he often managed to convince judges and jurors to change their view, shift their prejudice, and opt for a humane punishment on behalf of those he defended. Spacey brings Darrow to life over the course of 90 minutes.

"Clarence Darrow was one of the most important attorneys in the United States, and I just love the idea of Darrow and Arthur Ashe coming together: both masters of two very different courts," said Spacey in a statement. "Of course, drama happens all the time on Ashe, but never quite like this. I love a new challenge, and this is an exciting opportunity to share Darrow's remarkable story with a broader and more diverse audience than usually gets a chance to see theater."

Spacey is a 1991 Tony winner for his performance in Lost in Yonkers. Additionally, he has been seen on Broadway in A Moon for the Misbegotten, The Iceman Cometh, and Long Day's Journey Into Night, among other shows. He served as the artistic director of London's Old Vic Theatre from 2004- 15. An Oscar winner for American Beauty and The Usual Suspects, he currently stars in the hit Netflix series House of Cards, where he also serves as Executive Producer.

Spacey has also been tapped to host the 71st Annual Tony Awards, broadcast live on CBS from Radio City Music Hall on Sunday, June 11.

For tickets and more information, click here.