Pryce to see London 'Lear'

PryceLONDON -- Two-time Tony-champion Jonathan Pryce ("Miss Saigon") may have the title role in "King Lear," the climax in the 2012 slate at London's Almeida Theater. Selection features a global premiere together with a brand new translation in the Italian comedy "Filumena."Almeida a.d. Michael Attenborough will helm Pryce's "Lear" in the production produced by Tom Scutt and lit by Jon Clark running August. 31 - November. 3, getting a Sept. 11 opening.Right before that, Attenborough will direct two-time Olivier award-champion Samantha Spiro ("Merrily We Roll Along," "Hello Dolly") inside the title role in Eduardo di Filippo's Neapolitan comedy "Filumena" in the latest version by Tanya Ronder. Designed and lit by Robert Manley and Tim Mitchell, the expansion runs March 15 - May 12 getting a March 22 press evening.Jeremy Herrin helms the earth premiere of "Children's Children," a completely new drama about old associations and funds by Matthew Dunster. Running May 17 - June 30 getting a press evening searching for May 24, it's produced by Robert Innes Hopkins and lit by Neil Austin.The summer season opens with Bijan Sheibani's new output of Federico Garcia Lorca's "Home of Bernarda Alba," (Jan. 19 - March 10 getting a Jan. 26 press evening). Produced by double Olivier-champion Bunny Christie ("A Streetcar Named Desire," "The White-colored Guard") the expansion relocates the play to rural Iran, getting a cast introduced by Iranian stage and screen actor Shohreh Aghdashloo (Emmy award-champion for HBO's "House of Saddam," "Home of Sand and Fog").Further casting for your season has not been introduced. Contact David Benedict at benedictdavid@mac.com