Butterworth and Sam Mendes are set to make a significant return to Broadway with their latest collaboration, The Hills of California, which will open at the Broadhurst Theatre on September 29, 2024. This marks a highly anticipated reunion for the acclaimed playwright and director, who previously achieved great success with The Ferryman, which won the Tony Award for Best Play in 2019.
Overview of The Hills of California
The Hills of California is a poignant family drama that unfolds in the summer of 1976 in Blackpool, England, during a record-breaking heatwave. The narrative revolves around the Webb sisters, who gather at their childhood home as their mother, Veronica, lies dying upstairs. The sisters—Jillian, Gloria, Ruby, and the estranged Joan—navigate their complex relationships and unresolved tensions against the backdrop of their mother’s impending death.The play is structured around two timelines: the vibrant 1950s, when the sisters, under their mother’s guidance, aspire to become a singing group akin to the Andrews Sisters, and the somber 1970s, where they confront the realities of their lives and the choices they have made. The juxtaposition of these periods highlights themes of ambition, familial duty, and the passage of time, as the sisters reflect on their past dreams and current disappointments.
Themes and Inspirations
Butterworth drew inspiration for the play from a seemingly simple moment—watching a spider weave its web at his farmhouse. This image of fragility and the potential for destruction resonates throughout the play, as the characters grapple with their aspirations and the harsh realities of life. The narrative is infused with humor and heart, characteristic of Butterworth’s writing style, ensuring that while the subject matter is heavy, it is also layered with wit and insight.Mendes, who has a long-standing admiration for Butterworth’s work, describes him as a “rock star” of the theater world, noting the rawness and authenticity that defines Butterworth’s storytelling. Their collaborative partnership has proven fruitful, as both have consistently pushed the boundaries of contemporary theater.
Production Details
The Broadway production will feature many of the original cast members from the London run, including Laura Donnelly as Joan/Veronica, Leanne Best as Gloria, and Ophelia Lovibond as Ruby. The creative team remains intact, with Rob Howell responsible for scenic and costume design, Natasha Chivers for lighting design, and Nick Powell for sound and composition. This continuity aims to preserve the artistic vision established during the play’s successful West End run, which garnered critical acclaim and multiple award nominations.The play is produced by Sonia Friedman Productions and Neal Street Productions, with a commitment to accessibility, including offering 1,000 tickets at £10 to NHS staff and key workers, reflecting a dedication to community engagement.
Anticipation and Reception
As The Hills of California transitions from its London premiere to Broadway, anticipation is high. The play has already received glowing reviews, with critics praising its emotional depth and complex character dynamics. The combination of Butterworth’s sharp dialogue and Mendes’s directorial prowess promises to create a compelling theatrical experience that resonates with audiences.
