If you look at the plays of Lanford Wilson, they are some of the most often performed plays in American theatre. They include The Hot L Baltimore, Fifth of July, Talley’s Folly and Angel Falls. Surprisingly one of his most highly-acclaimed plays, Burn This, had not been revived on Broadway since its original production in 1987.
Opening tonight at the Hudson Theatre is the first revival of the play that made a star out of John Malkovich. Burn This, directed by Michael Mayer, stars Adam Driver, Keri Russell, Brandon Uranowitz and David Furr.
Burn This opens with Anna (Russell) and her boyfriend, Burton (Furr) talking about the tragic death of her roommate Robbie. Larry (Uranowitz), Anna’s other roommate arrives and the three go about figuring out life post-accident. The relative calm is upended when Robbie’s brother, Pale (Driver) shows up to claims Robbie’s possessions. His presence is going to challenge each of the other characters to figure out who they are and what matters to them most.
Burn This had its world premiere at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles. In addition to Malkovich the show starred Joan Allen, Lou Liberatore and Jonathan Hogan. It was directed by Marshall Mason.
Given the active film and television schedules of Driver and Russell, this production is a limited run through July 14th only.
Read our interview with Brandon Uranowitz here.
Photo of Adam Driver and Keri Russell in “Burn This.” Photo by Matthew Murphy
Update: BURN THIS has been nominated for 3 Tony Awards.
Second Update: BURN THIS did not win any Tony Awards