Josh Harnett to make West End debut with 'Rain Man'

Washington, July 2 : American actor Josh Hartnett is to make his West End debut with the lead role in a new stage adaptation of "Rain Man".

Hartnett will take on the role Tom Cruise played in the 1988 movie, with Brit thespian Adam Godley taking on the one played by Dustin Hoffman in the pic that centered on a road trip taken by a narcissistic car dealer (Cruise) and the autistic older brother (Hoffman) he never knew he had.

The play is being directing by David Grindley, whose credit list includes Journey's End" and "Pygmalion".

Nica Burns, Jane Walmsley, Michael Braham and Max Weitzenhoffer are on board as producers for the stage version of "Rain Man" in association with MGM On Stage, Darcie Denkert and Dean Stolber.

The 1988 movie won four Oscars in 1989 including best picture and actor for Hoffman.

It was scripted by Barry Morrow, who shares the screenplay credit with Ronald Bass.

The stage version runs Aug. 28-Dec. 20 at the Apollo Theater, with a press opening set for Sept. 9.

ANI