- Title: USA: KATHLEEN TURNER OPENS ON BROADWAY IN "THE GRADUATE"
- Date: 4th April 2002
- Summary: NEW YORK, NEW YORK (APRIL 4TH, 2001) (REUTERS) VARIOUS , EXTERIOR OF PLYMOUTH THEATER WITH CROWDS SLV GUESTS ARRIVING SMV PHOTOGRAPHER SCU SOUNDBITE) (English) EDDIE KAY THOMAS, ACTOR, SAYING: "I think it is great because he is such a talented kid and the type of thing he really became known for can make him fall into a trap and he is a damn good actor and it is great that he is doing it."
- Embargoed: 19th April 2002 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- Country: USA
- Topics: General
- Reuters ID: LVA2FIEHI4B2V4EF94A5JGAWJ8B4
- Story Text: "The Graduate" starring Kathleen Turner, Jason Biggs, and Alicia Silverstone opened on Broadway Thursday night (April 4th) in New York City. The play has set a record with the largest pre-open advance in Broadway history.
The Graduate, the 1967 American film classic, graduated to Broadway. The play's star studded cast includes Kathleeen Turner as Mrs. Robinson, American Pies' Jason Biggs as Benjamin and Alicia Silverstone as Biggs' girlfriend.
Hollywood and Broadway elite packed seats at the Plymouth theater on opening night. Eddie Kaye Thomas, Biggs' co-star from American Pie, came to support Biggs and hoped critics would see how talented he is.
"I think it is great because he is such a talented kid and the type of thing he really became known for can make him fall into a trap and he is a damn good actor and it is great that he is doing it," Thomas said.
Critics have been buzzing about a nude scene performed by Kathleen Turner. But Broadway actress Leslie Uggams wants to know what the big deal is. "What about Kathleen Turner getting naked? "I am naked all the time, I have seen one, I have seen it all, said the Tony nominee.
Sex in the City's Kristin Thomas was excited about being at the premiere.
"I am so curious mostly. It is one of the all time great films. I don't know, I am curious and excited to see it. It is very brave that they are tackling it so honestly."
Hollywood actor Treat Williams said he was interested to see the transition from film to Broadway.
"I loved the film, I hope the play is as exciting. The Producers didn't do to badly. That was a pretty good movie and as good as a musical. I hope it all works for them. You know I got my fingers crossed for it."
Amy Irving of Crossing Delancey fame said she was looking forward to seeing the star trio perform together on stage.
"You got three major stars in a very wonderful story.
Every time Kathleen gets on the stage, people are curious to see what she is going to do. People who know the film of the Graduate are curious to see how it transfers to theater. I mean listen to the crowd, they are ready for this."
After the show, a cast party was hosted at New York's trendy Supper Club. Twenty-three-year-old Jason Biggs said he felt honored to play the role, but knew it would be challenging.
"It's flattering I guess in a way, I consider it a compliment that I've been cast in a role that in my opinion is a very complex and challenging role, one that Dustin Hoffman played to perfection in the movie. So it's flattering to follow that. I hope that I'm doing it justice. But it's a compliment to me, and very exciting as a performer."
As for the nudity, Kathleen Turner said the nude scene couldn't be eliminated.
"Well, I don't know if it's a trend. It depends on the play. I think it's essential for the Graduate. If I thought it weren't sensationalistic, I don't know if I could do it.
The fact is it is right, so it's okay."
The Graduate broke opening night sales records by selling $5 million (USD) in advanced tickets. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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