NEW YORK — Joely Richardson will play Emily Dickinson in The Belle of Amherst in the fall, taking on the vehicle that in 1977 won legendary theater actress Julie Harris her fifth Tony Award.
Set in mid-19th century Massachusetts, William Luce‘s one-woman drama weaves together Dickinson’s poems, letters and diaries to illuminate a prolific American literary figure who sought comfort in solitude. Richardson will portray fifteen different characters in the play, which explores the poet’s life and work via private moments as well as significant encounters with family, friends and acquaintances.
In addition to her film and theater roles, Richardson is known for her television work on Nip/Tuck and The Tudors. She returns to the New York stage after last appearing in 2012 opposite Ethan Hawke in Chekhov’s Ivanov.
Steve Cosson (Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play) directs the production, which begins previews on Oct. 7 at the Westside Theatre, in a limited engagement that officially opens on Oct. 19. Don Gregory, a producer of the acclaimed original Broadway run with Harris, will present this Off-Broadway revival.
Richardson’s upcoming screen appearances include Maggie, with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Abigail Breslin; Papa, with Minka Kelly and Giovanni Ribisi; and Fallen, with Addison Timlin and Jeremy Irvine.
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