Theater News

Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Star Joseph Marcell Will Take on King Lear at NYU Skirball Center

The production will originate at Shakespeare’s Globe in London.

Joseph Marcell will take on the title role in Bill Buckhurst's production of Shakespeare's King Lear, running from September 30-October 12 at the NYU Skirball Center.
Joseph Marcell will take on the title role in Bill Buckhurst's production of Shakespeare's King Lear, running from September 30-October 12 at the NYU Skirball Center.
(photo courtesy of Shakespeare's Globe)

Joseph Marcell, well-known for his performance as Geoffrey the butler on the television series The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, is set to take on the title role in Shakespeare's King Lear, a production of Shakespeare's Globe that will play New York's NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts from September 30-October 12.

Directed by Bill Buckhurst, designed by Jonathan Fensom, and featuring music by Alex Silverman, the production will originate in London and subsequently be seen elsewhere in Europe and in Asia before coming to New York. Marcell has previously appeared at the Globe in Much Ado About Nothing and Coriolanus. Additional casting will be announced in the coming months.

Using an Elizabethan-style booth stage inspired by paintings and etchings from Shakespeare's day, Buckhurst's staging will feature eight actors doubling up on roles and interacting with the audience in a traditional Globe approach. Shakespeare's Globe was most recently seen in New York with its hit Broadway repertory revivals of Twelfth Night and Richard III.

Click here for more information on the NYU Skirball Center.