Latest news with #GriffinTheater
San Francisco Chronicle
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
Tom Hanks to star in off-Broadway show based on his own short stories
Tom Hanks is returning to live theater for the world premiere of an original work this fall. The East Bay native is set to star in the off-Broadway play 'This World of Tomorrow,' which he co-wrote with playwright James Glossman, for an eight-week run at the Griffin Theater at The Shed in New York City. Previews are scheduled to begin Oct. 30. Hanks will play Bert Allenberry, a scientist who continually travels back in time to the World's Fair of 1939 in a quest for true love. The project is based on a series of short stories written by Hanks. 'To explore the themes of love and yearning, and the struggles of today as we carry with us the eternal memories of the past, in such a place as The Shed, strikes me as a one-of-a-kind experience not unlike the World's Fair of 1939,' Hanks said in a statement. Ticket presales start July 15, with general sales beginning July 24. Kenny Leon, who recently directed 'Othello' and 'Our Town' on Broadway, will direct. The rest of the show's cast is still to be announced. "This story explores a fascinating tale of the echoes of past generations, the often-surprising collisions between them, and what is carried forward with an authentic humor,' Leon said in a statement. 'I can't wait to bring to life in the Griffin Theater.' Hanks' last live theater performance was in 2013, when he starred in the newsroom drama 'Lucky Guy' on Broadway. He earned a Tony Award nomination for his role as tabloid journalist Mike McAlary. Before trekking across the coast to prepare for the show, Hanks is taking the time to make the most of his California lifestyle. Last week, he was spotted proudly wearing a green Athletics cap and matching jacket while rooting for the Athletics during a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Southern California.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Tom Hanks to Star in ‘This World of Tomorrow' Play, Which He Wrote, This Fall
Tom Hanks will wear many hats this fall when he stars in a new off-Broadway play, This World of Tomorrow, based on his own short stories via a script he co-wrote with playwright James Glossman. Kenny Leon, who directed the production of Othello starring Denzel Washington and a recent revival of Our Town, will also direct. The plot centers on Bert Allenberry (Hanks' character), a time-traveling scientist from the future visiting the 1939 World's Fair in Queens in search of true love. Allenberry makes the trip through time again and again in the play, which will get its world premiere at the New York City venue, the Shed. Previews begin Oct. 30 and the production will run through Dec. 21. Tickets go on sale July 24. More from Rolling Stone Chet Hanks Reenacts 'Forrest Gump' Alongside Tom Hanks In New Music Video How to Watch the Tom Hanks-Narrated Wildlife Series 'The Americas' Online Brandi Carlile Premieres Nature-Inspired Track 'Wandering' 'To explore the themes of love and yearning, and the struggles of Today as we carry with us the eternal memories of the Past, in such a place as The Shed, strikes me as a one-of-a-kind experience, not unlike the World's Fair of 1939,' Hanks said in a statement. 'It will be a joy to experience Tom leading the cast on stage in this time-traveling adventure of the limitless power of love and the distance one is willing to go for it,' Leon said. 'This story explores a fascinating tale of the echoes of past generations, the often-surprising collisions between them, and what is carried forward with an authentic humor I can't wait to bring to life in the [Shed's] Griffin Theater.' Hanks last took the stage a little over a decade ago in Lucky Guy, a play written by Nora Ephron (who directed Hanks in Sleepless in Seattle and You've Got Mail). Hanks' performance in that play garnered Drama Desk, Drama League, Outer Critics Circle, and Tony Award nominations. Best of Rolling Stone The 50 Best 'Saturday Night Live' Characters of All Time Denzel Washington's Movies Ranked, From Worst to Best 70 Greatest Comedies of the 21st Century
Perth Now
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Tom Hanks returning to the stage in new Off-Broadway production
Tom Hanks is to star in an off-Broadway play he has co-written. The Oscar-winning star will be making a return to the stage for the first time since his 2013 Broadway debut in 'Lucky Guy' - for which he was nominated for a Tony Award - when he appears in 'This World of Tomorrow' at the 550-seat theatre The Shed in New York City. The production will premiere on 30 October and run for eight weeks until 21 December, and is described as a blend of romance and history with a dash of science fiction. The story follows a lonely scientist from the future who travels back in time to find love at the 1939 World's Fair in Queens and will feature a cast of 10 to 12 actors, with some taking on multiple roles. The 'Forrest Gump' actor said in a statement: "To explore the themes of love and yearning, and the struggles of Today as we carry with us the eternal memories of the Past, in such a place as The Shed, strikes me as a one-of-a-kind experience not unlike the World's Fair of 1939." Tom has been working with The Shed to develop the play over the last year and he co-wrote 'This World of Tomorrow' with James Glossman, his collaborator on 2022's stage piece 'Safe Home', which was also based on stories from the 'Elvis' star's 2017 book 'Uncommon Type'. Kenny Leon will direct the production and is "excited" to work with the writers. He said in his own statement: "I'm excited to collaborate with the remarkable Tom Hanks on his and James Glossman's new play at The Shed this fall. "It will be a joy to experience Tom leading the cast on stage in this time-traveling adventure of the limitless power of love and the distance one is willing to go for it. "This story explores a fascinating tale of the echoes of past generations, the often-surprising collisions between them, and what is carried forward with an authentic humour I can't wait to bring to life in the Griffin Theater." Tickets for 'This World of Tomorrow' go on sale 24 July, with a Shed member presale from 15 July.
UPI
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- UPI
Tom Hanks co-wrote, will star in 'This World of Tomorrow'
1 of 5 | Tom Hanks arrives on the red carpet for the New York premiere of "Asteroid City" in 2023. He will star in "This World of Tomorrow" beginning in October. File Photo by Gabriele Holtermann/UPI | License Photo May 21 (UPI) -- Castaway and Forrest Gump actor Tom Hanks will take the stage at The Shed in Manhattan in This World of Tomorrow beginning Oct. 30. Hanks, 68, will portray Bert Allenberry, who travels across time to the 1939 World's Fair where he hopes to find love. This World of Tomorrow takes its inspiration from a short story penned by Hanks. James Glossman co-wrote the play, and Kenny Leon directs. "It will be a joy to experience Tom leading the cast on stage in this time-traveling adventure of the limitless power of love and the distance one is willing to go for it," Leon said. "This story explores a fascinating tale of the echoes of past generations, the often surprising collisions between them, and what is carried forward with an authentic humor I can't wait to bring to life in the Griffin Theater." The theater seats approximately 550 people, and the cast will consist of around a dozen actors, People reports. "To explore the themes of love and yearning, and the struggles of Today as we carry with us the eternal memories of the Past, in such a place as The Shed, strikes me as a one-of-a-kind experience not unlike the World's Fair of 1939," Hanks said. The World of Tomorrow wraps its Off-Broadway run Dec. 21.
