Rain Man changes director and announces full cast

Rain Man changes director and announces full cast

Director David Grindley has had to withdraw from the stage adaptation of the 1988 film, Rain Man , which opens at the Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Eve, 9 Sep 2008, following previews from 28 Aug, booking to 20 Dec 2008. He is replaced with Terry Johnson.

The producers statement says, "At the beginning of the rehearsal process for Rain Man, director David Grindley sadly had to withdraw for family reasons. Following discussions with David and members of the cast, all roads led to one director. We are lucky that Terry Johnson was able to step in."

The play features Hollywood actor Josh Hartnett making his West End debut as Charlie Babbitt, joined by Adam Godley as Raymond. Other cast confirmed includes Mary Stockley (Susan), Colin Stinton (Dr Bruener), Charles Daish, Tilly Blackwood.

Adapted for the stage by Dan Gordon based on the MGM motion picture, story by Barry Morrow, it is directed by David Grindley, designed by Jonathan Fensom, lighting by Jason Taylor. Produced by Nica Burns, Jane Walmsley, Michael Braham, Max Weitzenhoffer, in association with MGM ON STAGE, Darcie Denkert and Dean Stolber.

Charlie Babbitt is a self-centred Los Angeles-based automobile dealer and hustler, who is at war with his own life. Relationships are not Charlie's strong suit and love is quite outside his experience. Raymond is the elder brother Charlie never knew he had - an autistic savant who has been hidden away in an institution for most of his adult life. Raymond is dysfunctional in many senses, but - as Charlie is soon to discover - also touched with a kind of stellar genius which Charlie harnesses to save his business. The two brothers embark on a rollercoaster journey together which shows Raymond a world beyond the hospital gates and Charlie the meaning of unconditional love