The subscription-based nonprofit Manhattan Theatre Club has joined producers of the previously announced Broadway production of Jez Butterworth‘s The Hills Of California and will offer the play to subscribers as part of MTC’s 2024-25 season.
Producers Sonia Friedman Productions, No Guarantees Productions, Neal Street, Brian Spector, and Sand & Snow Entertainment, with Stephanie P. McClelland announced the September arrival on Broadway of The Hills of California. At that point, no mention was made of MTC, or of the show being offered as part of MTC’s subscription series.
The Hills of California is now on sale to MTC subscribers as the third production in the company’s Broadway 2024-25 season.
Sam Mendes will direct the first Butterworth play since 2018’s acclaimed The Ferryman. Other Butterworth Broadway productions include Jerusalem in 2011 and The River in 2014.
The Hills of California begins previews Wednesday, September 11, at the Broadhurst Theatre and opens Sunday, September 29.
The Hills of California synopsis: In the sweltering heat of a 1970s summer, the Webb sisters return to their childhood home in Blackpool, an English seaside town, where their mother Veronica lies dying upstairs. Gloria and Ruby now have families of their own. Jill never left. And Joan? No one’s heard from her in twenty years… but Jill insists that their mother’s favorite won’t let them down this time. The run-down Sea View Guest House is haunted by bittersweet memories of amusement park rides and overdue bills. Back in the 1950s, each night the four young sisters rehearse their singing act, managed by their fiercely loving single mom. But when a record producer offers a shot at fame and a chance to escape, it will cost them all dearly.
Laura Donnelly will recreate her Olivier-winning performance as Joan/Veronica. Also reprising their London performances will be Leanne Best as Gloria; Ophelia Lovibond as Ruby; Helena Wilson as Jill; Nancy Allsop as Young Gloria; Sophia Ally as Young Ruby; Lara McDonnell as Young Joan; and Nicola Turner as Young Jill. Completing the cast are Bryan Dick, Richard Short, David Wilson Barnes, Richard Lumsden, Ta’Rea Campbell, Sawyer Barth, Ellyn Heald, Cameron Scoggins and Max Roll.