PLAYBILL

May 3, 2005

Spacey and Ehle Begin Previews in London Philadelphia Story May 3

by James Inverne


Kevin Spacey takes on his second acting role for his Old Vic Company on
May 3, when he begins previews in Philip Barry's The Philadelphia Story
at the famous South London venue. The official opening night is
scheduled for May 10.

Spacey started the company's inaugural season by directing Cloaca, and
returned to star in Dennis McIntyre's National Anthems, directed by the
young Brit David Grindley. For the season's last show, he has brought in
the multi award-winning (including four Tonys) Broadway director Jerry
Zaks.

Zaks told Playbill.com how he chased the project: "I'd read that
Philadelphia Story was to be one of the plays in the Old Vic season. I
had just changed agents, and I think the same agency represents Kevin,
so I had my agent contact him. I don't recall getting a job that way in
my life before, but I really wanted to do this play. I didn't know at
the beginning that Kevin wanted to be in it. I met [the Old Vic
Company's producer] David Liddiment in New York, and he told me Kevin
wanted to play in it. That was fine by me. He's a great actor — he has
an unpredictability to what he does that you just can't teach."

According to a very enthusiastic Zaks, there's a great ensemble spirit
in the company. "The show's nearly up on its feet," he said, two weeks
before the opening, "and there's not an asshole in the group. By that I
mean someone whose personal agenda is more important than the work.
Everyone is so focussed, and I'm enjoying their trust. That's a rare
gift."

Spacey himself will leave the show between June 19 and Aug. 8 to film
the new "Superman" movie. It is not yet known who will replace him
during that period. He returns on Aug. 8 and will remain until the end
of its scheduled run on Sept. 3. However, he has also said that there is
a window in his diary for a possible West End or Broadway transfer, and
the involvement of the West End impresario Duncan C. Weldon, on board as
co-producer, would certainly help to facilitate that.

Jennifer Ehle co-stars as Tracy Lord. The rest of the cast includes D.W.
Moffett, Oliver Cotton, Nicholas Le Prevost, Julia McKenzie, Lauren
Ward, Richard Lintern and Damien Matthews. Designs are by John Lee
Beatty, costumes by Tom Rand, lighting by Hugh Vanstone and sound by
Fergus O'Hare.

For more information, call (0)870 060 6628.

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PHOTO (Ehle) - Jennifer Ehle stars with Kevin Spacer in The Philadelphia
Story
http://www.playbill.com/news/article/92703.html


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Playbill
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Spacey and Ehle Begin Previews in London Philadelphia Story May 3
(Playbill)
http://www.playbill.com/news/article/92703.html

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