A Time To Kill, the first novel by John Grisham, is heading to Broadway this fall. It’s the first story by the best-selling novelist to be turned into a play, even though his novels - including A Time To Kill - have been turned into movie hits.
Playbill reports that Rupert Holmes’ adaptation of the courtroom drama will be produced at the John Golden Theatre, starting with previews on Sept. 28. Opening night is set for Oct. 20.
According to The Associated Press, the play was first produced in Washington DC in 2011, with Sebastian Arcelus as the defense attorney Matthew McConaughey played in the 1996 movie. Ethan McSweeny (Gore Vidal's The Best Man) will direct the Broadway production. No cast was announced.
“For almost a quarter of a century, A Time to Kill has captivated readers with its raw exploration of race, retribution and justice,” Grisham said in a statement. “It was my first book and the first that I have allowed to be adapted for the theatre. Rupert Holmes did an excellent job of translating it from the page to the stage, and I am happy that not only my loyal readers, but a whole new audience will be able to experience this story in live theatre. I am looking forward to opening night on Broadway!”
The news comes a month after Grisham announced that he was working on a sequel titled Sycamore Row. It will be published on Oct. 11.
The film version of A Time To Kill grossed $108 million in the U.S. Mcconaughey co-starred with Samuel L. Jackson, Kevin Spacey and Sandra Bullock.
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