Tennessee Williams’ classic play Cat On A Hot Tin Roof is set to open at the Novello Theatre on the 21st November, but the all star cast (see picture below) have just started rehearsals for this hugely anticipated production.

Cat On A Hot Tin Roof features James Earl Jones, Phylicia Rashad, Adrian Lester and Sanaa Lathan and is directed by Debbie Allen. The production was a sell out on Broadway and is sure to be a big hitter for London’s winter theatre season.

Last seen in the West End in 2001, Cat On A Hot Tin Roof centres around a powerful American family, who gather for a birthday party that explodes into a provocative revelation of secrets.

I can’t wait. Who can resist the legend that is James Earl Jones!

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One of the great plays of the 20th Century is crossing the ocean to take up residency at the Novello Theatre in December, causing excitement and concern…both The Drowsy Chaperone and Spring Awakening (Broadway hits) moved into the Novello with disastrous effects. Neither lasted more than 2 months.

Surely the Tennessee Williams play Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, will survive the seeming minefield that is a London audience?

This latest incarnation was a sell out on Broadway with a sublime cast, some of whom are coming to do the West End leg as well. No need to tell you about the Academy and Tony award winning legend that is James Earl Jones…he plays Big Daddy in the African American cast. But remember Phylicia Rashad? She was the mum on the Cosby Show, (one of the best shows in the 80’s) but is also a Tony award winning actress in her own right, for the lead role in 2004’s A Raisin In The Sun. Joing the Americans is Adrian Lester, of BBC’s Hustle who will play Big Daddy’s son, Brick.

This production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof is also directed by Rashad’s sister, Debbie Allen, who starred in Fame and won awards for her choreography on the film and TV series.

Despite the pedigree of the cast, the play should stand on its feet due to the story: a steamy American south setting and the politics of a family who has have gathered to celebrate the patriarch’s birthday lead to explosive altercations. It’s quite possibly one of the best known plays in American Literature and the chance to see a Tennessee Williams play on stage shouldn’t be missed.

Cat On a Hot Tin Roof previews from 21st November 2009 and is booking until 10th April 2010. Let’s hope that it is able to play out its limited run. 

Don’t miss out, get your Cat On A Hot Tin Roof tickets here.