Freeman, McDormand head to B'way

New York -- Hollywood actors Morgan Freeman, Frances McDormand and Peter Gallagher have signed on to star in the new Broadway production of "The Country Girl."

To be directed by eight-time Tony Award-winning director Mike Nichols, Clifford Odets' play is set to open at a Shubert theater next April. It marks the first major New York production of the play in more than 30 years.

McDormand will portray the title character, Georgie, whose husband, Frank Elgin (Freeman), is a once-great theater actor who has seen better days.

The story unfolds as Frank is offered a major role -- and the chance of a comeback -- by director Bernie Dodd (Gallagher.)

One of Clifford Odets’ last plays, "The Country Girl" premiered on Broadway in 1950. A film adaptation was released in 1954 and earned two Academy Awards.

Freeman and McDormand last appeared on Broadway in 1988 in "The Gospel at Colonus" and "A Streetcar Named Desire," respectively.

Gallagher last appeared on Broadway in "Noises Off" in 2001.

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