The time has come for laureates of the seminal Robin Williams film, Dead Poets Society. It's been announced that the cult classic will be adapted into a play by Tom Schulman and presented in a world premiere at Classic Stage Company this October. Schulman, if you aren't aware, won the Oscar for his work on the DPS movie.
Robin Williams' portrayal of an English teacher who fuels the poetic interest of his students at a boys prep school was a landmark role for the then-budding actor. Unfortunately, audiences will not witness Williams reprise his role.
The film featured select cameos from Robert Sean Leonard, Ethan Hawke and Josh Charles and was a popular movie among youngsters, especially those with an admiration of popular and sometimes controversial literature.
Directed by Scottish minimalist John Doyle, the new play will be an induction piece for Doyle as he has been appointed to the chair of artistic director of Classic Stage. Mr. Doyle, who won a Tony for his 2006 direction on Sweeney Todd, will also include in his entrance exam a revival of Pacific Overtures.
PO will also feature music from the legendary Stephen Sondheim.
As of now, there are no casting announcements or dates set for Dead Poets previews or a premiere. In the meantime, though, it's also been announced that Classic Stage will also include a new production of The Liar a part of its 2016-17 bill.
The Liar is scheduled to begin performances in January and will be directed by Michael Kahn, artistic director of the Shakespeare Theater Company in Washington.
It is most unfortunate that the late-Robin Williams will not witness or possibly be a part of a revival of one of his most beloved films.
While you await a listing, check out a clip from DPS below.
