A Dutch university recently cancelled a production of Samuel Beckett’s play Waiting for Godot because only men were cast.  It should be noted that all of the characters in the play are male, which wouldn’t stop many directors today.  This situation is not without precedent.  Back in 1988, a professional Dutch theatre company produced the play with a woman in one of the roles.  Since Mr. Beckett was still alive at the time, he sued the company – and won!

A stage version of Annie Proulx’s best-selling novel Brokeback Mountain is headed to the West End.  The new adaptation, written by Ashley Robinson, will be headlined by two of the hottest men in the business – Lucas Hedges and Mike Faist.  But, this is not simply a play.  Buried in the press release, it says, “original songs will be performed by Eddi Reader”, who plays The Balladeer.  I suppose I’d be more concerned if I read who the choreographer was.  All will be revealed on the opening night of May 18^th.  It’s scheduled to run at SoHo Place through August 12^th.