Chad Kimball to Star in Stage Adaptation of Alcatraz Drama Murder in the First

Tony Award nominee Chad Kimball will star as Alcatraz convict Willie Moore in a stage adaptation of the 1995 film Murder in the First. Written by Dan Gordon and directed by Michael Parva, the limited engagement begins performances on May 25 and runs through July 1 at off-Broadway's 59E59 Theaters. Opening night is set for June 6.

Murder in the First also features Guy Burnet (TV's Hollyoaks) as Willie’s attorney, Henry Willard Davidson, and Larisa Polonsky (Burning) as attorney Mary McCasslin. The cast also includes Joe Adams, Richard Fiske, Anthoula Katsimatides, Darren Kelly, Joe Lawless, Thomas Ryan and John Stanisci. Five more cast members are still to be announced.

Inspired by real events, Murder in the First tells the story of the murder trial that blew open the deplorable treatment of the prisoners at Alcatraz, the most notorious correctional institution in U.S. history. The stage version of the film explores the unlikely friendship that develops between the young, idealistic attorney and the prisoner he was brought in to defend. Also written by Gordon and directed by Marc Rocco, the original film starred Christian Slater, Kevin Bacon, William H. Macy and Gary Oldman. 

Kimball originated the role of Huey Calhoun in Memphis. His other Broadway credits include Good Vibrations, Into the Woods and The Civil War. Kimball appeared off-Broadway in Godspell, My Life with Albertine and Finian's Rainbow.