Breaking Bad” Reunion: Glengarry Glen Ross Recast with Star Power!

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Nearly three decades since its release, the 1992 film “Glengarry Glen Ross” continues to resonate with cinephiles. Directed by James Foley and penned by David Mamet, the movie was based on his play from 1983. The plot revolves around a group of real estate agents striving to maintain their positions amidst challenging economic conditions. Notably, the film boasts an outstanding ensemble cast, featuring Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, Alec Baldwin, Kevin Spacey, and Jonathan Price, among others.

It’s hard to imagine changing the talented actors from the original Glengarry Glen Ross production, given its widespread acclaim. However, these weren’t the actors from the 1983 UK stage play, but rather British actors who filled those roles. The following year, it moved to Broadway, with big-name actors joining the cast, including Joe Mantegna as Richard Roma, who was replaced by Pacino in the film eight years later. Now, in 2025, Glengarry Glen Ross is returning to Broadway, and this new cast has comparable star power to the 1992 movie.

A ‘Breaking Bad’ & ‘Better Call Saul’ Reunion

In this fresh rendition of the play, the leading roles are taken by Bob Odenkirk portraying Shelley Levene (previously Lemmon in the film), Bill Burr stepping into the shoes originally filled by Ed Harris as Dave Moss, Michael McKean following Alan Arkin’s performance as George Aaronow, and Kieran Culkin assuming the role of Richard Roma, who was played by Al Pacino on screen. Interestingly, three out of these four actors share a connection through the “Breaking Bad” universe, even though Bill Burr appeared only in “Breaking Bad,” while McKean was part of “Better Call Saul.

In another phrase, Odenkirk’s acting prowess with both Burr and McKean is simply outstanding, and it’s clear that each actor will bring their exceptional skills as fellow actors from the shared universe. Meanwhile, Culkin has demonstrated his incredible acting abilities, particularly in his portrayal of Roman Roy on Succession; his recent role in A Real Pain alongside Jesse Eisenberg garnered him a Golden Globe and is expected to earn him an Oscar. All four actors seem like ideal choices for the film’s roles, and the thought of seeing them all together on stage is highly enticing.

But What About Alec Baldwin’s Character?

For those who haven’t seen the stage play, they might be puzzled about one aspect – the absence of the character Blake. The outstanding portrayal by Alec Baldwin, however, was based entirely on a character that doesn’t exist in the original play. Blake was created specifically for the film adaptation of the story, serving to emphasize the harsh reality of the real estate industry more effectively for viewers. His performance was captivating and garnered him several award nominations, not just individually but also alongside his co-stars.

In the movie “Glengarry Glen Ross,” Blake’s monologue (“Always Be Closing”) has gained legendary status and has been imitated or referenced often across various films, TV shows, and media. But don’t worry, the stage adaptation of the play functions brilliantly even without Blake. With Culkin, Odenkirk, Burr, and McKean gracing the stage, it’s certain that there will be no dearth of equally impactful scenes. It’s essential to remember that while the story remains constant, the play and movie do have some differences, but these discrepancies are intentional.

One of America’s Greatest Modern Plays

Glengarry Glen Ross shines in its straightforwardness. The narrative centers around four common, middle-class real estate agents trying to sell pieces of land, with the names Glengarry Highlands and Glen Ross Farms being two of the sites referenced in the script. Not only does it shed light on aspects of the real estate business that may be unfamiliar to outsiders, but the play also resonates with those uninterested in this aspect by delving into a variety of themes. Recurring motifs include masculinity and capitalism’s distortion of the American dream, while the production skillfully employs subtext to reveal depths beyond the obvious surface.

This upcoming play is helmed by Patrick Marber, a renowned English director known for his Olivier Award-winning production of “Closer.” This very same theater, the National Theatre in London, England, is where “Glengarry Glen Ross” first debuted. Given Marber’s extensive experience in theater and the caliber of the performers he’s working with, this promises to be a groundbreaking production. Notably, this play often features outstanding casts. Joining the four main actors are Donald Webber Jr (soon to star in “Severance” Season 2), Howard W. Overshown, and John Pirruccello. Grab your tickets and more details here.

The classic play “Glengarry Glen Ross” will be staged at the Palace Theatre on Broadway from March 10th to May 31st, 2025, in a temporary engagement. Purchase your tickets today!

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2025-01-19 19:03