China Doll on Broadway: Show Is Now Closed

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China Doll Summary

  • Show Status: Closed
  • Genre: Play
  • China Doll is 2 Hours long, including an intermission of 15 Minutes
  • 7 Shows per week
  • Previews Began: October 21, 2015
  • Show Opened : November 19, 2015
  • Show Closed: January 31, 2016

China Doll is a world premiere play by David Mamet, who is arguably one of the greatest living contemporary playwrights. His many previous plays include Glengarry Glen Ross, The Anarchist, A Life in the Theatre, Race, Oleanna, American Buffalo, and Speed-The-Plow. The show is directed by Pam MacKinnon, who careers in on a steady upturn with her recent helming of The Heidi Chronicles, A Delicate Balance, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, and Clybourne Park. Like many of Mamet’s plays, China Doll is a two-hander.

China Doll on Broadway Background

The lead role of Mickey Ross was written for Al Pacino, who played opposite Christopher Denham (Master Harold, The Lieutenant of Inishmore). Pacino has collaborated four times previously with David Mamet. Mamet is well known for crafting down-to-earth individuals from real experiences, with minimalist but poignant dialogue. Recently, he starred in the revival of Glengarry Glen Ross on Broadway, and he starred in American Buffalo on Broadway in 1983. This is the first time that he is originating a Mamet role, especially one that was written especially for him; he reportedly this was an opportunity he could not pass up. Similarly, this is an incredible opportunity for Christopher Denham, who came to fame in television’s “The Following” as well as films including Oscar winner Argo and the thriller, Shutter Island.

What’s China Doll Like?

The show is a small play with only two actors, and yet it will surely hit upon some profound issues and truly well thought out characters. The main role is that of Mickey Ross, a billionaire who has just bought his fiancée a plane as a wedding gift. The other character is his assistant, Carson, whom Mickey gives last minute instructions prior to leaving the office. Furthermore, the telephone is said to play a significant role in the play’s events. While the summary of this play’s events may seem inconsequential, they are sure to add up to something much weightier, dealing with the concept of a man who believes he has found success and is now ready for a change, as well as the controversies inherent in this power dynamic.

Is China Doll Good for Kids?

The show may be most appropriate for children over the age of 12. Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre.

Theatre Information

Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre

236 West 45th Street
New York, NY 10036
Seats: 1,079
Entrance: South Side of 45th Street between Broadway and 8th Avenue
Theatre Information

Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre Seating Chart

China Doll Marquee

China Doll Marquee

Cast Members

Mickey Ross
Al Pacino
Carson
Christopher Denham

Producers

Jerry Frankel

Jeffrey Richards

Steve Traxler

Production Credits

Direction
Pam MacKinnon
Author
David Mamet
Costume Design
Jess Goldstein
Scenic Design
Derek McLane
Lighting Design
Russell H. Champa
Sound Design
Peter Fitzgerald
Production Stage Manager
Matthew Farrell

Creative Team

General Manager
Richards Climan Inc
Casting Directo
William Cantler at Telsey + Company
Technical Supervisor
Hudson Theatrical Associates
Company Manager
Bruce Klinger at Richards Climan
Advertising Representative
Serino Coyne
Press Agent
Jeffrey Richards Associates