Six Degrees Of Separation
The story “Six Degrees Of Separation”, the John LeGuare classic, which challenged the notion that everyone in the world is linked via six degrees or less, arrives in a new stage version for 2010. The play is a Laurence Olivier Award winning classic, that won the award following a successful run at the Royal Court Theatre in 1992. However, it was first staged in the US, on the stage of Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater, Lincoln Center before transferring to Broadway’s Vivian Beaumont Theater.
Many are also familiar with the story having seen the Fred Schepisi-directed 1993 movie which starred screen icons Will Smith, Donald Sutherland and Ian McKellen, as well as stage actress Stockard Channing who familiarised herself with the material whilst onstage for its Broadway run.
“Six Degrees Of Separation” is based on the true story of a con man in the 1980s, who managed to convince people in the Upper East Side of Manhattan that, not only is he a college friend of the person’s son, but also the child of screen icon Sidney Poitier. In the play we focus on David Hampton’s successful attempt to make his way into the household of the Kittredges, a wealthy couple who make their way as art dealers. They accept his story about his links to their son and his relation to Poitier, but even they admit that there is much in the way of mystery surrounding this man and only time will tell if they will realise the truth before it is too late.
The production is directed by Broadway and West End veteran David Grindley, following his work directing Broadway shows such as “Journey’s End” (2007), “Pygmalion” (2007), “The American Plan” (2009) and “The Philanthropist” (2009). For the West End he directed a production of “Abigail’s Party” which appeared at the Hampstead Theatre.
This is likely to be a popular production that will be housed as part of the brand new season at the world famous Old Vic Theatre, where Hollywood actor Kevin Spacey serves as its artistic director.
“Six Degrees Of Separation” appears at the venue from Thursday 7th January 2010 to Saturday 3rd April 2010.