Gummer, Phillips, Nielsen, et al Join Les Liaisons Dangereuses

Sian Phillips, Mamie Gummer, Kristine Nielsen, Benjamin Walker, Rosie Benton, and Derek Cecil will join previously announced stars Laura Linney and Ben Daniels in the Roundabout Theatre Company’s revival of Christopher Hampton’s Les Liaisons Dangereuses, which will begin previews on April 11 at the American Airlines Theatre. The production, which will open officially on May 1, will be directed by Rufus Norris.

Adapted from the novel by Choderlos de Laclos, the play focuses on long-time friends and occasional lovers Vicomte de Valmont and Marquise de Merteuil, who find that love is finally more than just a game when a beautiful young woman becomes involved in their schemes.

The show’s creative team will include Scott Pask (sets), Katrina Lindsay (costumes), and Donald Holder (lighting). Norris directed the London and Broadway productions of Festen.

Phillips, who will play Madame De Rosemonde, has previously appeared on Broadway in Marlene and An Inspector Calls. Gummer, who will play Cecile, has starred in New York in Mr. Marmalade and The Water’s Edge. Nielsen, who will play Madame De Volanges, is currently appearing Off-Broadway in Die Mommie Die! Walker, who will play Danceny, was last seen on Broadway in Inherit the Wind. Benton, who will play Emile, appeared in the Roundabout’s production of Howard Katz. Cecil, who will play Azolan, has appeared on stage in Sweet Bird of Youth and Sleuth.

Linney, who will play the Marquise de Meurteil, received a Tony Award nomination for The Crucible. She also appeared on Broadway in Sight Unseen, Six Degrees of Separation, and Holiday. She received an Oscar nomination for Kinsey and is starring in the soon-to-be-released film The Savages. Daniels, who will play Le Vicomte de Valmont, is making his American stage debut. He has starred in London in All My Sons, for which won the Olivier Award, Three Sisters, and As You Like It, among many other shows.

The show’s 1987 Broadway production, which starred Alan Rickman and Lindsay Duncan, received seven Tony Award nominations, including Best Play. The 1988 film version, entitled Dangerous Liaisons, starred Glenn Close, John Malkovich, Michelle Pfeiffer, Swoosie Kurtz, Keanu Reeves, and Uma Thurman.
Hampton won the Academy Award for his screenplay adaptation.