A stage adaptation of ALL ABOUT EVE will have a limited run at the Noel Coward Theatre in London from 2nd February,2019 to 11th May, 2019.
The leading roles of Margo and Eve will be played by Gillian Anderson and Lily James. Birdie will be played by Sheila Reid and Karen by Monica Dolan.
Direction is by Tony and Olivier winning director, Ivo van Hove. This avant-garde director’s style has been described as “ultra-modern minimalism”.
I guess anyone who is a fan of the 1950 classic will be curious to see how it will be presented on stage. It is nearly 70 years since the film was released and probably many theatregoers may not even know the film.
Lily James, Gillian Anderson
I came across the above photo which shows the cast of a 2003 Broadway benefit for the Actors Fund of America, featuring a stage reading of ALL ABOUT EVE.
What a cast.
Stockard Channing as Margo, Callisto Flockhart as Eve, Angela Lansbury as Birdie, Blythe Danner and Victor Garner as Karen and Lloyd, John Ritter as Bill . Tim Curry as Addison, Carl Reiner as Max Fabian. And Kirk Douglas as the ‘aged actor’.
And Celeste Holm chaired the evening at the Ahmanson Music Center in Los Angeles.
This reading of the original Joseph Mankiewicz screenplay raised over quarter of a million dollars for the Fund.
Calista Flockhart, Stockard Channing, Tim Curry.
In 2004, the second screenplay reading, again for the Actors Fund, was SUNSET BOULEVARD at The Pantages Theatre in L.A.
With Angelica Huston as Norma, Ben Kingsley as Max and Patrick Wilson as Joe Gillis. Director Stanley Donen played Cecil B De Mille.
HOLLYWOOD, CA – APRIL 4: (L to R) Actors Wilma Valderrama, Sir Ben Kingsley, Patrick Wilson, Anjelica Huston and Robert Morse perform during the all star reading of the play “Sunset Boulevard” at the Pantages Theater on April 4, 2004 in Hollywood, California. The event benefits the Actor’s Fund of America. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images.
And in 2005, the same format was used for CASABLANCA, with Anne Heche and Christian Slater as Ilsa and Rick.
All three adaptations of the original screenplays were done by David Rambo.
I havent been able to find if any other legendary films were staged for these fund raising evenings.
Vienna's Classic Hollywood
I hope that I will be able to travel to London to see this production! Thanks for sharing the info 🙂
Will be interested to hear what you think of it. It will probably sell out quickly because of the two stars.
Well, considering the popularity (along logistics, and my status as a recent grad with two hay pennies to rub together at the moment…haha) it would probably be unlikely that I could see the play. But, perhaps they’ll take the production to the States?? Are you going to the see “All About Eve”? I would love to read your review!
I expect there is a good chance it will come to Broadway if it is well received here. I doubt I’ll get down to London.
The First Wives Club reading to benefit The Actors Fund’s Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative was held at Playwrights Horizons Main Stage Theatre, New York, NY. , on 14 Oct 2014. Featuring Mary Testa, Mary Beth Peil, Darren Goldstein, Rebecca Naomi Jones.
They aso do benefi play readings, e.g. Our Town, and the stage version of Vally Of The Dolls.
Thanks for info ,Bob.
New adaptation sounds very good – excellent cast.
Will look forward to reviews. Meanwhile, we’ll always have the movie!
Did you know that there was a projected stage version of Baby Jane in the early 80’s. The stars were Diana Dors and Noele Gordon! What a combination. It was supposed to open in Brighton but was cancelled when Noele became ill.
Wow. Didn’t know about that.
All I need is a time machine and a million dollars, and the theatre world is mine!
Or I can content myself with the news, the pictures you provided, and my imagination. What wonderful creative things are happening.
Lovely way to put it, Patricia.