Golden Globe nominee Joely Richardson (Side Effects, "Nip/Tuck," "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo," "The Tudors") will slip into the world of poet Emily Dickinson in William Luce's acclaimed one-woman, multi-character play The Belle of Amherst in a limited engagement beginning October 7 at the Off-Broadway Westside Theatre.
Julie Harris starred in the original Broadway production of The Belle of Amherst in 1976, playing 15 different characters and winning a Tony Award for Best Actress. Since then the celebrated play has enjoyed many productions and become a favorite source of monologues. Don Gregory, who produced that Broadway debut, is revisiting the play to produce this revival, directed by Steve Cosson, founding Artistic Director of the Civilians.
Luce uses Emily Dickinson's own words--her poems, diaries, and letters--into a brilliant portrait of the great and prolific poet, a play the New York Daily News called "full of passion and poetry and heart." The poet's early prediction as a young teen--"I expect I shall be the belle of Amherst when I reach my 17th year. I don't doubt that I shall have perfect crowds of admirers at that age"--gives the plays its title, but proved ironic, as Dickinson turned out to be one of America's most private artists. Still her work has never stopped intriguing and inspiring artists and audiences to this day.
Joely Richardson, daughter of actress Vanessa Redgrave and director Tony Richardson and sister of the late Natasha Richardson, is better known for her on-screen roles than her stage work. She received two Golden Globe nominations and two Satellite Award nominations for her work on Ryan Murphy's TV series "Nip/Tuck."
But her early career also included seasons with both The Old Vic and the Royal Shakespeare Company, and as recently as 2012 she was nominated for a Drama Desk Award for Side Effects.
Previews for The Belle of Amherst begin October 7 prior to an October 19 opening. Scenic design is by Antje Ellermann, lighting by David Weiner, and sound by Daniel Kluger.
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