Just got this release with the full cast of the upcoming Kevin Kline KING LEAR at the Public. Along with the full cast details, including the already known fact that Michael Cervis is Kent, it says that Stephen Sondheim's music will be used. Does this mean he's written new music for it? Though surprising, it's not a totally unbelievable idea. After all, Lapine directed SUNDAY, INTO THE WOODS and PASSION, in addition to writing the books of such musicals. This could be similar to when William Finn composed music for the Public's production of AS YOU LIKE IT two years ago.
The Public Theater’s Artistic Director Oskar Eustis and Executive Director Mara Manus announce casting for The Public’s new production of Shakespeare’s King Lear directed by Tony Award-winning James Lapine. King Lear will have a limited run from Friday, February 9th, 2006 through Sunday, March 18th. The press opening is Wednesday, March 7th. Tickets for the general public will go on sale Sunday, January 7th.
In addition to the previously announced casting of Kevin Kline in the title role, King Lear will feature Brian Avers (Edgar), Larry Bryggman (Gloucester), Kristen Bush (Cordelia), Michael Cerveris (Kent), Philip Goodwin (Fool), Piter Marek (King of France), Laura Odeh (Regan), Daniel Pearce (Cornwall), Michael Rudko (Albany), Logan Marshall-Green (Edmund), Ryan McCarthy (Ensemble), Angela Pierce (Goneril), Tim Stickney (Oswald), and Joaquin Torres (Duke of Burgundy).
King Lear will have scenic design by Heidi Ettinger, costume design by Jess Goldstein, lighting design by David Lander, sound design by Dan Moses Schreier and Philip Peglow, and music by Stephen Sondheim and Michael Starobin.