It is official and officially exciting - Daniel Radcliffe (oh great wizard of Hogwarts and heartthrob of nearly a billion young girls - I don't think that is an exaggeration) will reprise his role in Peter Shaffer's revival of Equus on The Broadway.  

The London transfer will begin previews on September 5th at the Broadhurst Theater in New York. Equus will also star Tony and Olivier Award winner Richard Griffiths (many had worried that he may be too sick to reprise his role).  The show is about a young boy who is charged with blinding six horses with a spike and the mystery behind the attacks, which followed a sexual encounter with a girl in the stable.  It seems like there is something I am forgetting to tell you. Hmmm.  What am I missing?  Gosh, what could it be?  Oh. Yes.  Now I remember...Harry Potter is going to be NAKED in the show! 

Focus Focus
I know that I am supposed to be focused on the art.  I am supposed to concentrate on the nuanced story of a young tormented boy.  I should be raving about an opportunity to see the legendary Richard Griffiths back on The Broadway again.  I know.  I know.  But, the big news is Harry - so that is what I will be focusing on today - like it or not.

Photographic Evidence
Have you seen the pictures yet?  Click HERE to see some on a fun little website called The Leaky Cauldron.  Someone has been working out in an attempt to transform himself from nerdy magician to hot stud.  Is it working?  You decide. 

On Stage Seating???
I don't want to start a mad stampede to get tickets, but I heard that when the show was produced in London 60 people were actually seated on stage.  I don't know if this will be the case for the Broadway production, but you may want to get tickets early in order to find out. 

Causing A Commotion
IMHO (in my humble opinion) this show is going to cause quite a stir on the Great White Way. I predict it could be bigger than Ms. Katie Holmes-Cruise in All My Sons.  There is nothing as voracious as a teenage girl that wants to see her favorite wizard in the flesh.  I predict that Times Square will be flooded with screaming fans clamoring for a glimpse of Radcliffe.  They will camp out at the stage door.  They will fill the theater.  They will rush the stage with flowers or stuffed dolls in Harry's likeness.  My question is: will they wear Potter paraphernalia to performances?  Should we expect the trademark spectacles and long scarves to become de rigueur on the Rialto next season?

The word from London was that things were a MESS on the West End when the show opened there last year.  Radcliffe needed several bobbies (British police) to escort him out of the theater each night.  Last year Michael Riedel in the NY Post had a very funny article about Richard Griffiths trying to squeeze out a back window in order to avoid the masses at the stage door.

More Than Just Skin
Aside from the brouhaha surrounding the lack of clothing for the star - the show received wonderful notices for all involved. Equus is a excellent play and deserves to be revived.  Griffiths is an amazing talent and I am looking forward to seeing his work again (he last appeared in The History Boys on Broadway and brought home a Tony Award for his performance).  We will have a chance to sample Thea Sharrock's directing work and gawk at more excellent design by John Napier.  And of course, Radcliffe received high praise for his acting in the London production.  The Daily Telegraph said: "Daniel Radcliffe brilliantly succeeds in throwing off the mantle of Harry Potter, announcing himself as a thrilling stage actor of unexpected range and depth. Despite minimal theatrical experience Radcliffe displays a dramatic power and an electrifying stage presence." 

A Transformation
From a career perspective, Radcliffe must be ready to change his image; what better way to do it than to take on a role completely different than the bespectacled Potter and cause a frenzy by showing off his buff bod during a 10 minute nude sex scene (oh, did I forget to mention it was a sex scene, oops).  His agent deserves a raise!

One thing is certain: you don't want to miss your chance to see Radcliffe or Griffiths in this powerful new production of Equus, on The Broadway.  

~ See You On The Aisle