‘King Kong’ Set to Rumble on Broadway’s Foxwoods Theatre in December

The production of King Kong, currently loose in the wilds of Australia, will be making its way to the Broadway stage. Gerry Ryan, chairman of Global Creatures which is the production company behind the show, confirmed that the huge production will have a run on the big stage, perhaps in December of 2014.

Originally Ryan was quoted in an interview with Melbourne radio station 3AW as saying, “I was in New York recently and went to the theater, and so, they’re getting ready – ‘Spider-Man’ has closed there at the Foxwoods and we’ll be opening on December 12 this year.” However recently the producers of the musical released a statement saying, “Plans for the Broadway production of King Kong are not confirmed at this time. We hope to have details about the future of the show shortly.”

The show first premiered in Melbourne last year with a budget of $30 million. The principal cast features Esther Hannaford (Ann Darrow), Adam Lyon (Carl Denham), Chris Ryan (Jack Driscoll), Richard Piper (Captain Engelhorn), and Queenie van de Zandt (Cassandra).

King Kong tells the story of a modern myth about a giant creature captivated by the beauty of a woman and fighting for survival in New York City after his capture. It can be traced back to the novella of the original film by Merian C. Cooper and Edgar Wallace.  The musical adaptation of the film is said to feature a cast of 49 actors, singers, dancers, circus performers and puppeteers; a crew of 76; and a technologically advanced puppet to represent the giant silverback King Kong.

The show recently won five 2013 Helpmann Awards for Best Costume Design, Best Scenic Design, Best Lighting Design, Best Sound Design, and Outstanding Theatrical Achievement for the design, creation, and operation of the production.