Royal Shakespeare Company: King Lear October 19, 2007

In the most anticipated event of the season, one of the world’s greatest living actors, Sir Ian McKellen, leads the legendary Royal Shakespeare Company in two explosive new productions of King Lear and The Seagull (featuring McKellen in select performances). One of only three U.S. engagements, this production reunites McKellen and director Trevor Nunn, two of the towering figures of theater, with the RSC for the first time in 17 years, a fulfillment of a long-held dream for both. Nunn directed McKellen in numerous RSC productions during the ‘70’s and ‘80s, a period that’s regarded as a golden age for the company.

This marks McKellen’s first time on Royce Hall’s magnificent stage since his stunning run as Richard III in 1992. Best known to film audiences for his inspired turn as Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, as well as his memorable performances in Gods and Monsters and X-Men, McKellen’s astonishingly versatile career also spans roles on Broadway (Amadeus; Dance of Death), and in television (Tales of the City; The Simpsons).

Hailed as one of the most visionary theater directors of his generation, Nunn’s resume includes landmark productions of Shakespeare and other classical work as well as celebrated Broadway runs of The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, Cats, Les Misérables and Sunset Boulevard.