If Ellen Page's Juno were to keep her kid, have a few more and time travel back to 1920's Ireland, she might then have something in common with her imminent New York namesake.
By FilmStew Staff, FilmStew.com
In fairness, the source 1924 Sean O'Casey play Juno and the Paycock and subsequent 1930 Alfred Hitchcock movie came along obviously long before Jason Reitman's award winning sophomore effort. Still, in what is either a misguided move or a shrewdly calculated attempt to sell tickets, that title has now been shortened to simply Juno for an upcoming March 27th – 30th run at New York's City Center.
This Juno is a mom in 1920's Dublin, struggling with an alcoholic husband and turbulent political times. Playing the title role will be Tony Award winner Victoria Clark, who will also be seen later this year in the sketch comedy film Dirty Movie alongside Christopher Meloni, Mario Cantone, Robert Klein and many more.
The last time this Juno was staged in New York was in 1959, when it ran for 16 performances with Melvyn Douglas and Shirley Booth on the boards. Despite the now familiar name recognition, the producers of this latest staging have perhaps wisely learned their lesson, as their run is only scheduled to offer up five showings.
In terms of Diablo Cody-style girl power, perhaps the most potent corner in this case is that of director Garry Hynes. You might think that such a name goes with a crusty old male veteran of the New York theater scene. But in fact, he's a woman, the first woman to ever win a Tony Award for directing, back in 1998, for her treatment of Martin McDonagh's The Beauty Queen of Leenane.
Our suggestion to the organizers of this upcoming Thursday-to-Sunday theatrical event: get the opening night invitation out to Ellen Page, now.
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